English apple pie

Delicious English Apple Pie Recipe

Start your culinary journey with a classic apple pie recipe that evokes cozy family evenings. This English pie is not just a simple dessert but a symbol of comfort and warmth. Whether you enjoy it on the weekend with loved ones or prepare it for a festive meal, the final result will surely be a delight!

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooling time: 1 hour
- Baking time: 30-40 minutes
- Total: 1 hour and 60 minutes
- Servings: 8

Ingredients
For the dough:
- 100 g margarine or butter (we recommend butter for a richer taste)
- 100 g flour
- 50 g sugar
- 1 egg
- A pinch of salt
- 50 g chopped nuts or almonds (adds a crunchy texture)

For the filling:
- 800 g apples (choose flavorful apples like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious)
- 125 g sugar (150 g if the apples are tart)
- A handful of raisins (optional but recommended for added sweetness)
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for a warm and comforting aroma)
- 1 tablespoon potato or corn starch (to bind the filling)

Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Preparing the dough:
- In a bowl, grate the margarine or butter and combine it with the sugar. Mix well until you achieve a creamy consistency.
- Add the egg and a pinch of salt, continuing to mix.
- Incorporate the flour and chopped nuts or almonds, mixing until the dough becomes smooth.
- Form a ball from the dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let it rest in the refrigerator for 1 hour. This step is essential for achieving a flaky crust.

2. Preparing the filling:
- Peel the apples and slice them thinly.
- In a pan, add the apples, sugar, lemon zest and juice, and raisins. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar melts and the apples soften slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
- Let the filling cool, then add the starch and cinnamon, mixing well to combine the ingredients.

3. Assembling the pie:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat).
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into two parts. One part should be slightly larger, as it will cover the bottom and sides of the baking dish.
- On a floured surface, roll out the larger dough with a rolling pin, then place it in a greased baking dish.
- Fill the dough with the prepared apples, then roll out the other piece of dough and cover the filling. Seal the edges of the dough and make a few cuts on the surface to allow steam to escape during baking.

4. Baking:
- Place the pie in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the dough is golden and crispy.
- Once the pie is ready, you can sprinkle it with vanilla sugar if desired. Serve the pie warm or cold, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cream for a delicious contrast.

Practical Tips
- Choosing apples: Use flavorful apples, preferably with a slight acidity, to balance the sweetness of the filling. Apples like Granny Smith or Jonagold are ideal.
- Dough texture: Knead the dough as little as possible to avoid a tough texture. The refrigerator helps achieve a flakier dough.
- Variations: You can add chopped nuts to the filling for extra crunch or experiment with other spices like nutmeg or ginger.
- Serving: This pie is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
A serving of apple pie has approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Apples are rich in fiber, vitamins (such as vitamin C), and antioxidants, which help maintain heart health and strengthen the immune system. Moderate consumption of nuts brings benefits for brain health, and cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of fruit? Yes, you can experiment with pears, peaches, or berries, adjusting the sugar according to the sweetness of the fruit.
- How do I store the pie? You can keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.
- Is it possible to freeze the pie? Yes, the pie can be frozen before baking. Wrap it well and keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake it directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

I conclude this recipe with the hope that you will bring joy and warmth to your home with each slice of English apple pie. Happy cooking and enjoy!