Apple Strudel

Prep: 30 mins Cook: 45 mins Difficulty: Medium Serves: 6
kcal fat saturates carbs
365 20g 8g 43g
sugars fibre protein salt
28g 3g 6g 0.1g

As a sugar-soaked banner of European pastries, I find the Apple Strudel to be an exquisite fusion of rustic charm and delicate sophistication. Whether it’s drawn from the wellspring of Austrian patisserie heritage or simply the embodiment of a long-lived desire for comforting sweetness, the Apple Strudel never fails to enchant the palate in a crescendo of flavors.

Apple Strudel

The Story Behind the Strudel

The Apple Strudel, renowned across continents, whispers to me a culinary tale of many folds. Its roots nurtured in the Austrian landscape, the strudel blossomed, absorbing influences ranging from Middle Eastern to Central European cuisines. And now, in the warmth of my kitchen and drawing on the rich decadence of Creole and the subtle elegance of French patisserie, I add my chapter to this historical symphony of flavors. The strudel, much like a danish or a turnover, is the perfect canvas for the fruits’ caramel-like sweetness coupled with the slightly tart Granny Smith Apples – reminding one instantly of a warmly-spiced apple pie.

The Magic of the Ingredients

The ingredients for this Apple Strudel are more than just a list on a page – each one weaves into the story, each one holds a conversation with your tastebuds. Take for instance, the Granny Smith Apples, their tartness expertly balanced by the sugar, mirroring the wonderful blend of sweet and sour in desserts like the Tarte Tatin. The raisins work their magic from within the strudel, emitting bursts of concentrated sweetness. Moreover, their high fiber content, known to aid digestion, makes them a good addition to your diet. Meanwhile, the cinnamon and nutmeg infuse every bite with a lovely warmth – a little like sipping mulled wine on a crisp winter’s day. The walnuts, packed with antioxidants and a great source of Omega-3s, add just the right crunch to the texture parade.

Lastly, let’s not forget the phyllo pastry – so light, so flaky – and as you bite into the sugar-dusted strudel, the delicate pastry crumbles in the mouth, making way for the divinely flavorsome filling to steal the show. Indeed, the Apple Strudel is more than a dessert – it’s a celebration of flavors and textures, of age-old traditions, and of the health benefits of these natural ingredients. It is not merely an end to a meal but rather a gustatory ode to the grandeur of culinary arts.

Perfect Pairings

Situated as the star dessert after a hearty meal of Coq au Vin or standing side by side with a fresh batch of crispy Pear Dressed Greens, the Apple Strudel holds its ground. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or cut through its sweetness with a dollop of crème fraîche – there are countless ways to enjoy this versatile confectionery masterpiece.

So here is my Apple Strudel areat it by the fire on a rainy day, serve it to round off a candlelit soirée, or simply whisk one up to infuse an ordinary day with a hint of extraordinary opulence.

What You’ll Need

  • 2 large Granny Smith Apples
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • 1/4 cup granulated Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground Nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/3 cup Raisins
  • 1/2 cup chopped Walnuts
  • 5 sheets of Phyllo dough
  • 1/2 cup unsalted Butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup fine Bread Crumbs
  • 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar (for dusting)
ALLERGENS: Walnuts, Butter, Bread Crumbs

Method

Step One

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). After this, peel, core, and thinly slice your Granny Smith apples. Sprinkle these slices with lemon juice to prevent them from browning.

Step Two

In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Stir these ingredients until they’re evenly mixed. Next, add the sliced apples, raisins, and chopped walnuts into this mixture. Stir everything together to ensure the apples are well coated.

Step Three

Unroll your Phyllo dough on a clean, flat surface. Brush each sheet with the melted unsalted butter, then sprinkle each sheet with the fine bread crumbs. Stack them neatly one on top of the other.

Step Four

Spoon your apple filling onto the buttered and bread-crumbed Phyllo sheets, leaving about 2 inches of margin on all sides. Carefully roll the dough up into a log shape, ensuring the filling stays inside.

Step Five

Now, brush the top and sides of the strudel with the remaining melted butter. Place the strudel on a baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes or until the pastry has become a golden brown color.

Step Six

Allow your apple strudel to cool down for a few minutes before dusting it with the powdered sugar. Slice into pieces and serve your homemade Apple Strudel warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

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