Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This apple crostata recipe is the perfect blend of rustic charm and delicious flavors. Forget complicated pastries; this recipe is designed for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros, promising a homemade treat that will impress everyone. It's a delightful addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals, perfect for a quick dessert or a charming addition to a dinner party.
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup ice water
- For the Filling:
- 4-5 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith work well), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Add the water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a flakier crust.
Assembling and Baking the Crostata:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Toss gently to coat.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer to baking sheet: Carefully transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add the filling: Mound the apple filling in the center of the dough circle, leaving a 2-inch border.
- Fold and bake: Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as you go. You don't need to be perfect; a rustic look is charming!
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Cool and serve: Let the crostata cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream – the perfect ending to any meal!
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of butter and shortening in the crust.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of apples. A mix of sweet and tart apples will provide a balanced flavor profile.
- Add a sprinkle of coarse sugar to the top of the crostata before baking for extra sweetness and crunch.
- If you prefer a sweeter crostata, increase the amount of sugar in the filling.
- This delicious dish is also a great option for healthy meals, offering a balanced mix of sweetness and fiber. Consider using whole wheat flour for added nutrients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Sugar: 20-25g
- Protein: 3-5g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
This easy apple crostata recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. It's a delicious dish, a quick dinner idea, and an excellent example of homemade cooking at its finest. Enjoy the process of making this delightful treat and the satisfaction of sharing it with loved ones.