| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 50 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 380 | 18g | 9g | 53g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 27g | 4g | 3g | 0.53g |
When autumn arrives, my kitchen fills with the warm, inviting aroma of apples and spices, leading to a recipe that has quickly become a family favorite: Spiced Apple Pie with Grains of Paradise. This dish is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of the season, blending traditional flavors with a hint of the exotic.
A Fusion of Flavors
Growing up in California with Gujarati roots, my culinary journey has been all about marrying the familiar with the new. The Grains of Paradise in this recipe are a nod to my heritage. Known as “Aframomum melegueta,” these tiny seeds bring a unique peppery flavor with hints of citrus and cardamom, adding a layer of complexity to the sweet and tart apples.
The West Coast’s fresh produce is another inspiration for this dish. California’s apple orchards offer a variety of choices, from Honeycrisp to Granny Smith, each bringing its own unique taste and texture. Combining these with traditional spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate.
Health Benefits
Besides its irresistible taste, this Spiced Apple Pie with Grains of Paradise also has some surprising health benefits. Apples are rich in fiber and antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, which are concentrated in the peel. They can aid in digestion, improve heart health, and lower the risk of several chronic conditions.
The Grains of Paradise offer anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to their high concentration of antioxidants, while spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are known to regulate blood sugar levels and boost brain function. This pie is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a better-for-you dessert option.
Perfect Pairings
This pie stands out beautifully on its own but pairs fantastically with a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream or a generous pour of homemade caramel sauce. For those who enjoy savory-sweet combinations, serving this pie alongside a sharp cheddar cheese can be an unexpected delight.
If you’re a fan of classic desserts with a twist, you might also enjoy my Mango Cardamom Cheesecake or Chai-Spiced Snickerdoodles. Both recipes incorporate similar innovative use of spices, bringing a fresh perspective to traditional sweets.
With its rich blend of flavors and textures, this Spiced Apple Pie with Grains of Paradise is bound to become a staple in your autumnal kitchen, just as it has in mine. Dive into this fusion of cultures and seasonal flavors, and let every bite connect you with both tradition and innovation.
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups thinly sliced apples (about 5-6 medium apples)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground grains of paradise
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling on top)
Method
Step One: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one of the pie crusts and fit it into a 9-inch (23 cm) pie plate. Set aside.
Step Two: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples and lemon juice. Toss to coat the apples evenly. In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, ground cloves, ground grains of paradise, and salt.
Step Three: Combine the Ingredients
Pour the sugar and spice mixture over the apples, and toss to coat the apples evenly. Transfer the spiced apples into the prepared pie crust, spreading them out to make an even layer.
Step Four: Add Butter
Dot the apple filling with small pieces of unsalted butter, distributing them evenly across the surface of the apple mixture.
Step Five: Cover with Top Crust
Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the apple filling. Trim any excess crust, leaving a 1-inch overhang. Tuck the overhang under the bottom crust edge, pressing to seal, and crimping as desired. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Step Six: Apply Egg Wash
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to give it a golden color. If desired, sprinkle coarse sugar over the egg wash for added crunch and sweetness.
Step Seven: Bake the Pie
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with strips of foil to prevent burning.
Step Eight: Cool and Serve
Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving, to let the filling set. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your spiced apple pie with grains of paradise!
