Apples with a coat

The 'bundita' apple dessert is an extremely flavorful delicacy that combines the sweet-sour taste of baked apples with the crispy texture of the dough. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a simple dessert with a remarkable impact on the taste buds. Its origins lie in the culinary traditions brought by European settlers, who left a significant cultural and gastronomic imprint in the regions of Banat and Transylvania. So, let’s embark on a culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients needed

- 5-6 sweet-sour apples, very well baked
- 250-300 g flour
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 200 ml milk
- 300 ml water
- A pinch of salt
- Oil for frying
- Vanilla powdered sugar, for serving
- Cinnamon, for serving

Step by step: Let’s cook the dessert!

Step 1: Preparing the apples

1. Start by washing the apples well under cold running water, ensuring that you remove any impurities from the skin.
2. Peel the apples and cut them into rounds, making sure to remove the core with a teaspoon. This step is essential for obtaining uniform shapes that will cook evenly.

Step 2: Preparing the 'bundita' dough

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour with the egg, milk, water, and a pinch of salt. It’s important to achieve a thicker consistency than that for pancakes, similar to sour cream. This will ensure a crispy and delicious crust.
2. Add the sugar and mix the dough very well so that no lumps remain. A good mixture will perfectly coat the apple rounds.

Step 3: Cooking the apples

1. In a deep frying pan, heat the oil. It’s important for the oil to be well heated to achieve even frying. If you want a trick, you can check the oil temperature by dropping a bit of dough – if it rises immediately to the surface, the oil is ready.
2. Lightly dust the apple rounds with flour, then dip them into the prepared dough, ensuring they are well coated.
3. Carefully place the rounds in the pan, being careful not to overcrowd it, and fry them for 5-7 minutes on each side until they become golden and crispy. Covering the pan with a lid helps retain moisture and achieve even frying.

Step 4: Serving

1. Once the rounds are fried, remove them onto an absorbent napkin to eliminate excess oil.
2. After they cool slightly, dust them with vanilla powdered sugar and cinnamon to add a fragrant and sweet note to the dish.

Serving suggestions

The 'bundita' apples can be served either warm or at room temperature. A great idea is to accompany them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of sour cream for a delicious contrast. Additionally, this dessert can be enjoyed alongside a warm tea or a refreshing lemonade.

Nutritional information

Each serving of 'bundita' apples provides approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the toppings added. Apples are an excellent source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making this dessert a healthier choice compared to other higher-calorie options.

Possible variations

If you want to experiment, you can try replacing the apples with other fruits, such as pears or peaches, each variant having its own charm. Also, for an exotic touch, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use apples from other varieties?
Absolutely! Sweet-sour apples are the most suitable, but you can try other varieties depending on personal preferences.

2. How can I make the dough lighter?
If you want a lighter dough, you can replace part of the water with sparkling water, which will make the dough fluffier and airier.

3. Can I store leftovers?
If there are any rounds left, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat them slightly before consuming.

'Bundita' apples are not just a simple dessert, but also a culinary experience full of flavor and memories. I encourage you to explore this recipe and adapt it to your taste! Enjoy your meal!