Are you craving a delicious, homemade treat that’s both comforting and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than these Amish Fried Pies! These golden-brown, crispy delights are filled with a sweet and juicy fruit filling (apple is classic!), and are perfect for a quick dessert, a satisfying snack, or even a unique addition to your next brunch. Forget complicated baking; this easy recipe delivers big on flavor and texture, making it a perfect choice for beginner cooks and seasoned bakers alike. Let's dive into this recipe for a truly delicious and memorable homemade experience.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup shortening (or butter, for a richer flavor)
- ¾ cup milk (or buttermilk, for a tangier taste)
For the Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Cut in the shortening (or butter) using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the milk (or buttermilk), mixing until a soft dough forms. Don't overmix!
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for a minute or two, just until it comes together.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.
Preparing the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly.
Assembling and Frying the Pies:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ⅛-inch thickness.
- Use a 3-4 inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles.
- Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a pretty finish.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of dough dropped in sizzles immediately.
- Carefully place a few fried pies in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the fried pies from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar (optional).
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use butter instead of shortening in the dough.
- For a tangier taste: Use buttermilk instead of milk in the dough.
- Get creative with fillings: Try other fruits like blueberries, peaches, or cherries. You can also experiment with savory fillings like cheese and ham.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: This will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy pies. Fry in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking: Add more or less sugar depending on the sweetness of your apples and your preference.
Nutritional Information (per pie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: Approximately 15-20g Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g Protein: Approximately 3-5g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Amish Fried Pies! They're a perfect treat for any occasion, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The wonderful aroma filling your kitchen alone makes this recipe worth trying!