Apple pie (little snails)

Apple Pie – Aromatic Snails

Who doesn't love the enticing aroma of baked apples, combined with a flaky and light dough? I invite you to discover a simple and delicious recipe for apple pie, also known as snails. This recipe is not only perfect for cold weather, but it also brings a touch of nostalgia in every bite, evoking childhood memories when you get to savor it alongside your loved ones.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500-550 g flour
- 1 egg
- 250 ml lukewarm water
- 1 pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 1.5 kg apples (approximately 6-7 large apples)
- 6 tablespoons of sugar (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (or to taste)
- Oil for greasing the sheets

Short history

Apple pies are a symbol of culinary tradition in many cultures, with deep roots in history. These delicacies have been prepared for generations, being associated with moments of celebration and family gatherings. Whether served warm or cold, with a scoop of ice cream or a vanilla sauce, each variation brings with it a story and an emotion.

Preparing the dough

1. Mixing the ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the flour, egg, lukewarm water, and pinch of salt. Use a spatula or your hands to mix the ingredients until the mixture becomes homogeneous.

2. Kneading:
Knead the dough on a floured work surface for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. It is essential not to add too much flour so that the dough remains flaky.

3. Forming the balls:
Divide the dough into 16 equal-sized balls. Cover them with a damp towel to prevent drying out.

4. Rolling out the sheets:
Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into sheets about 12 cm in diameter. Moisten each sheet with a little oil and stack two sheets on top of each other. You will obtain 8 sheets this way.

5. Resting the dough:
Let the sheets rest for 15-20 minutes to relax the gluten and make rolling easier.

Preparing the filling

1. Preparing the apples:
Wash the apples well, peel them, and remove the cores, then grate them on a large grater. This step will allow the apples to cook evenly and quickly.

2. Sautéing the apples:
In a large pan, add the grated apples and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples release their juice and it reduces. This process will concentrate the flavors and add a natural sweetness to the filling.

3. Adding the cinnamon:
Once the apples are sautéed and the juice has reduced, remove the pan from the heat and add the cinnamon. Mix well and let the mixture cool.

Forming the pies

1. Rolling out the sheets:
On a work surface greased with oil, take a sheet of dough and roll it out into a square as thin as possible. It is important for the sheet to be almost transparent to achieve a flaky texture.

2. Filling:
Place the apple filling on a quarter of the bottom part of the sheet. Don't forget to leave some space at the edges to roll the sheet.

3. Forming the snails:
Roll the sheet with the filling, being careful to tighten it slightly to form a spiral. Then, place the snails in a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

4. Greasing:
Brush the snails with a little oil to help them brown nicely during baking.

Baking

1. Preheating the oven:
Preheat the oven to a medium temperature (about 180°C).

2. Baking:
Place the tray in the oven and bake the snails for about 35 minutes, or until they become golden and crispy. The smell will fill the house with a delicious aroma!

Serving

Once the snails are ready, let them cool slightly before serving. You can sprinkle them with powdered sugar for an elegant look and an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving suggestions

These apple snails are delicious alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot tea. You can also enjoy them with a caramel sauce for a sweet-salty contrast.

Possible variations

- Alternative fillings: Try adding nuts or raisins to the apple filling for an interesting texture.
- Spices: Experiment with other spices, such as ginger or nutmeg, to add a distinctive note.
- Whole wheat flour: If you prefer a healthier option, substitute white flour with whole wheat flour.

Nutritional information

These apple snails are a good source of fiber and vitamins from apples, making them an excellent choice for desserts. A serving (about 100 g) contains around 250 calories, being a delicious option, but one that should be enjoyed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits for the filling?
Yes, you can experiment with pears, peaches, or even berries. Make sure to adjust the amount of sugar according to the sweetness of the fruits used.

2. Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, the dough can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, well covered to prevent drying out.

3. How can I store the snails?
They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them and reheat them in the oven before serving.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that remains is to get cooking! Enjoy every step of preparing this apple pie and cherish the moments spent with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!