Apple Pie (Lebanese)

Apple pie is a classic dessert with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. This delicious recipe, inspired by a Lebanese variant, brings a touch of warmth and flavor to every slice. A perfect blend of sweet and tart apples, with a buttery flaky crust, will transform any meal into a special moment. Get ready to discover how to create this wonderful apple pie, step by step!

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of Romanian apples (not too juicy, ideal for pies)
- 450 g of flour
- 200 g of butter (at room temperature)
- 10-15 g of cinnamon
- 150 g of sugar
- 30 g of vanilla sugar
- 1-2 egg yolks
- A pinch of salt
- Cold water, as needed

The History of Apple Pie
Apple pies have a long history, being associated with cooking traditions around the world. This specific recipe, inspired by Lebanese tradition, captures the essence of the dessert through the use of aromatic apples and a flaky dough, offering an unforgettable taste and texture. Apple pie is not just a dessert; it is a way to gather family and friends to savor the simple and beautiful moments of life.

Preparing the Dough
1. Mixing the Ingredients: In a large bowl, add 450 g of flour, 200 g of diced butter, a pinch of salt, and, if desired, a tablespoon of cold water. Use your fingertips to combine the ingredients until the mixture becomes sandy. This will ensure a flaky crust.

2. Kneading: Gently knead the dough until it becomes smooth. Avoid overworking the dough, as it may become elastic and less flaky.

3. Chilling: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a perfect crust.

Preparing the Apple Filling
1. Preparing the Apples: Wash the apples well and peel them. Cut them into 6-8 pieces, then remove the cores. Choose apples that are not too juicy to avoid a mushy filling.

2. Seasoning: Place the sliced apples in a large bowl. Add 130 g of sugar, 10-15 g of cinnamon, 30 g of vanilla sugar, and 40 g of flour. Mix well so that the apple slices are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Assembling the Pie
1. Dividing the Dough: After the dough has chilled, remove it and divide it into two equal parts. This will be the base and the top of the pie.

2. Preparing the Pan: Grease a baking pan with butter and dust it with flour to prevent sticking.

3. Rolling Out the Dough: Using a rolling pin, roll out the first part of the dough into a thin sheet, large enough to cover the bottom of the pan. Place the sheet in the pan and prick it with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.

4. Adding the Apples: Evenly distribute the apple mixture over the dough in the pan.

5. Covering with Dough: Roll out the second part of the dough and place it over the apples. Fold the edges of the bottom dough inward to seal the pie. Prick this layer with a fork as well to allow steam to escape during baking.

6. Brushing with Egg Yolk: Beat 1-2 egg yolks and brush them over the top of the pie. This step will give it a golden color and an appetizing appearance.

Baking the Pie
1. Setting the Oven: Preheat the oven to 180 °C.

2. Baking: Place the pie in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the crust turns golden and crispy. It is important to check the pie occasionally to avoid burning.

3. Cooling: Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a serving plate.

Serving the Pie
This apple pie can be served warm or at room temperature. It is delicious alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel for added flavor. A cup of tea or coffee is also perfect to complete the culinary experience.

Tips and Variations
- Apple Variations: You can experiment with different types of apples, such as Granny Smith for a tart note or Golden Delicious for a sweeter taste.
- Additions: If you want a richer flavor, add chopped nuts or raisins to the apple filling.
- Sauces: Serve the pie with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for a delicious contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other fruits? Yes, this recipe can also be adapted for other fruits, such as peaches, cherries, or plums.
2. What should I do if the dough is too sticky? Add a little more flour and knead again.
3. Can I make the pie ahead of time? Yes, the pie can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.

Nutritional Benefits
Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C, beneficial for digestion and the immune system. Additionally, butter provides healthy fats, and cinnamon has strong antioxidant properties.

This apple pie is not just a dessert but a culinary experience full of tradition and flavor. I invite you to try this recipe and bring a touch of joy to your kitchen! Enjoy!