Apple Strudel

Apple Strudel: A Traditional Delicacy with Enticing Flavors

Who doesn't love a dessert that fills the whole house with warm and comforting aromas? Apple strudel is a symbol of goodness and love, a recipe that combines tradition with exquisite taste. Whether you're preparing to impress guests or simply want to indulge yourself, this recipe will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect strudel.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 30 g fresh yeast
- 1 tablespoon margarine
- ½ cup oil (approximately 125 ml)
- 1 cup lukewarm water (approximately 250 ml)
- ½ teaspoon salt

For the filling:
- 1 kg apples (choose sweet and fragrant apples, such as Golden or Gala)
- 30 g butter
- 1 packet ground cinnamon (or more, to taste)
- 250 g sugar (adjust the amount based on how sweet the apples are)

Preparing the dough

1. Activating the yeast: In a bowl, place the sifted flour and make a well in the center. Inside this well, add the fresh yeast and pour in the lukewarm water. Let it sit for 30 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate and ferment. You'll know it's ready when bubbles appear on the surface.

2. Kneading the dough: Once the yeast has risen, add the salt, melted margarine, and oil, then knead the dough well. It's important to achieve an elastic but not sticky consistency. If necessary, you can add a little more oil to prevent sticking.

3. Resting the dough: Form a ball from the dough and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 40 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a tender and easy-to-roll dough.

Preparing the filling

4. Preparing the apples: Peel the apples and grate them. It's a good idea to avoid apples that are too soft, as the filling will become too watery.

5. Cooking the apples: In a pan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the grated apples and sugar. Mix well and let it cook on low heat, adding cinnamon to taste. Continue stirring until the apples become soft and the mixture starts to bind, about 5-10 minutes. Make sure not to overcook them, as they should remain slightly juicy.

Assembling the strudel

6. Dividing the dough: Divide the dough into three equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out one piece of dough into a rectangular shape, about 3 mm thick.

7. Filling: Place the apple filling on 70% of the surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving free edges to close the strudel.

8. Rolling: Carefully roll the dough, starting from one edge, ensuring that the filling remains well wrapped. Place the rolled strudel in a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to make a few slits on the surface of the strudel, allowing steam to escape during baking.

Baking

9. Preparing the syrup: In a cup, dissolve 2 teaspoons of sugar and cinnamon in 50 ml of water. Use a brush to glaze the strudel both before and after baking.

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the strudel for 18-20 minutes, or until it turns golden and crispy. The aroma will fill the entire room, and the moment you take it out of the oven will be truly special.

Serving

Apple strudel is served warm, but it's just as delicious at room temperature. You can dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look or serve it alongside vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. This is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed both at a festive meal and on a quiet Sunday.

Helpful tips

- Variations of the filling: You can experiment with different fruits, such as pears or peaches, or even add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
- Choose apples carefully: Tart apples, such as Granny Smith, add a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the sugar, while sweet ones provide a richer flavor.
- Make the dough in advance: You can prepare the dough a few days ahead and freeze it. This way, you have a quick dessert ready whenever you crave it.

Nutritional information

One serving of apple strudel (1/8 of the recipe) has approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and butter used. It is a good source of fiber due to the apples, and the added cinnamon not only enhances the flavor but also has health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of flour? You can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but be sure to adjust the amounts of water and oil.
- How can I store the strudel? It's best to consume it fresh, but if there are leftovers, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat it in the oven to regain its crispiness.

Enjoy this apple strudel, a recipe that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring you many joyful moments with family and friends. Cooking is an art form, and each recipe is a story we share with our loved ones. Bon appétit!