Apple Strudel

Apple strudel: a crispy and fluffy delicacy

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Apple strudel is a dessert that combines the crispy texture of the dough with the sweet and aromatic apple filling, often sprinkled with cinnamon. This traditional recipe has been enjoyed for generations, becoming a symbol of comfort and family warmth. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or dusted with powdered sugar, apple strudel will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.

Ingredients:

- 1.5 kg apples (ideally, use tart apples for a pleasant contrast)
- 5-6 tablespoons sugar (adjustable depending on the sweetness of the apples)
- 1-2 tablespoons cinnamon (optional, for a more aromatic taste)
- 1 kg flour (plus 5-6 tablespoons for adjusting the texture)
- 400 ml oil (for a rich and crispy dough)
- 40 g fresh yeast (for a fluffy dough)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to activate the yeast)
- A pinch of salt (to balance the taste)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (to improve the dough's texture)
- 1.5 cups warm water (about 350 ml)

Preparing the apple filling:

1. Cleaning the apples: Start by peeling the apples, then grate them on a large grater or use a food processor to chop them finely.

2. Sautéing the apples: In a pan, add the grated apples along with the sugar. Sauté them over medium heat, stirring constantly, until they soften and the juice evaporates (about 10-15 minutes). If desired, you can add cinnamon for a more intense flavor.

Preparing the dough:

3. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add the fresh yeast with a teaspoon of sugar and a little warm water. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes until it becomes frothy.

4. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, 200 ml of oil, a pinch of salt, and a tablespoon of vinegar. Add the activated yeast and gradually mix in the flour, stirring well until you obtain a smooth dough.

5. Kneading the dough: Knead the dough for 5 minutes until it becomes elastic and non-sticky. Then divide it into 4 equal parts.

6. Oil cream: In a bowl, combine 200 ml of oil with 5-6 tablespoons of flour, mixing until you obtain a paste the consistency of sour cream. This will help achieve crispy layers.

Assembling the strudel:

7. Rolling out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into a rectangle, then spread a few tablespoons of the oil paste on top.

8. Rolling the dough: Roll the dough tightly and place it on a platter. Repeat this process with the other pieces of dough.

9. Chilling the dough: Place the tray with the 4 rolls in the refrigerator for 1 hour and 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving perfectly crispy dough.

10. Final rolling: After chilling, take one roll and roll it out again into a rectangle. Cut it in half lengthwise and into 4 pieces widthwise, resulting in 8 pieces.

11. Filling with apples: Place the apple filling along the outer edge of each piece of dough and roll towards the center, forming small strudels.

12. Baking: Place the strudels on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, seam side down to prevent them from unrolling. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 30-40 minutes until golden. At the end, you can increase the temperature or activate the grill function for a beautiful crust.

Serving:

Let the strudels cool slightly, then transfer them to a platter and dust with sugar. Served warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a cup of aromatic tea, these strudels will quickly become everyone's favorite!

Helpful tips:

- Choosing apples: Tart apples, such as green ones, are ideal for balancing the sweetness of the sugar.
- Storing the strudel: If there are leftover strudels, make sure to cover them to prevent them from hardening.
- Variations: You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other fruits? Yes, the strudel can be filled with cherries, peaches, or plums.
- How do I know when it’s done? The strudels are ready when they turn golden and crispy on the outside.

Nutritional benefits: Apple strudel contains fiber from apples, which is beneficial for digestion, and can be a source of antioxidants, especially if you use fresh and organic apples.

Apple strudel is more than just a dessert; it is an experience that blends flavors and textures, evoking warm family memories. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!