Apple Pie (Lent)

Apple Pie (Lenten) – A Fragrant Delight

When it comes to desserts, apple pie is a classic that never goes out of style. This apple pie recipe, perfect for Lent, is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. With a flaky crust and a sweet-sour apple filling, it will surely become everyone's favorite. Plus, it's a simple recipe that can be customized to individual tastes. Let's discover together the steps to achieve a perfect pie!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 200 g melted Rama margarine (or a plant-based alternative)
- 1 cup of sugar (about 200 g)
- 1 packet of dry yeast (or 25 g fresh yeast)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 cup of lukewarm mineral water (about 250 ml)
- Flour as needed (about 500 g, depending on humidity)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

For the filling:
- 500 g apples (preferably sweet-sour varieties, like green apples)
- 100 g sugar (or more, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (for a deep flavor)

Preparing the Dough

1. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.

2. Adding the wet ingredients: Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture and pour in the lukewarm mineral water and melted margarine. Mix with a spatula or your hands until the ingredients start to come together.

3. Kneading the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and no longer sticks to your hands. If necessary, gradually add flour, but be careful not to make the dough too hard.

4. Rising: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 30-35 minutes. The dough should rise and become fluffy.

Preparing the Filling

1. Cleaning and grating the apples: Wash the apples, then peel and grate them. It is important to squeeze out excess juice to avoid a watery filling.

2. Sautéing the apples: In a pan, add the grated apples and sugar. Sauté over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples become soft and the sugar dissolves. Finally, add the cinnamon and mix well.

Assembling the Pie

1. Dividing the dough: After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll out the first part on a baking sheet or a floured surface until you have a thin sheet.

2. Arranging in the pan: Place the first sheet of dough in the prepared baking pan (you can use a 30x40 cm pan) and make sure it covers the edges well. Add the apple filling evenly, leveling it with a spatula.

3. Adding the second sheet: Roll out the other part of the dough and, using the baking sheet, carefully flip the sheet over the filling. Press the edges gently to seal the pie.

4. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the pie for 35 minutes or until it turns golden. If you want to give it an even more attractive appearance, you can brush it with a little diluted honey before putting it in the oven.

Serving the Pie

Once the pie has cooled, you can cut it into portions and serve it plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (if you are not fasting) or with caramel sauce. It is perfect for a snack or as a dessert at a festive meal.

Tips and Tricks

- Apples: Choose apples of different varieties to achieve a more complex filling. Sour apples add a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the sugar.
- Sugar: Adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the apples. If you are using very sweet apples, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
- Gluten-free version: If you want a gluten-free pie, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. Check the ingredient labels to ensure they comply with your dietary needs.
- Customization: Add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture and flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

Apple pie, especially when made with quality ingredients, can be a good source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Apples are rich in vitamin C and can contribute to heart health. Whole wheat flour (if you choose to use it) adds additional nutrients and fiber.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can replace apples with pears, peaches, or plums, adjusting the amounts of sugar and cinnamon based on the sweetness of the fruits.
- How long does the pie last? The pie keeps well at room temperature for 2-3 days, and in the refrigerator, it can last up to a week. You can freeze it to enjoy later, but make sure to cut it into portions before freezing.
- What drinks pair well with the pie? A cup of herbal tea or a sweet white wine complements the apple pie perfectly, adding an extra layer of flavor and enjoyment.

In conclusion, apple pie is a dessert that blends tradition with modernity, offering a delicious culinary experience. I encourage you to try this recipe and customize it to your preferences. Each slice of pie will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones!