Are you craving a comforting, classic dessert that’s both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This apple pie recipe takes inspiration from the renowned chef Gordon Ramsay's emphasis on quality ingredients and precise techniques, resulting in a truly exceptional homemade pie. Forget those soggy-bottomed disasters; this recipe is designed for success, even for beginner bakers. It's the perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals – a delicious dish the whole family will adore!
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 125g cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 50g cold lard, cubed (for extra flakiness)
- ½ tsp salt
- 5-7 tbsp ice water
For the Filling:
- 1kg tart apples (such as Granny Smith, Braeburn, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 100g caster sugar
- 50g brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Making the Pastry:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in fats: Add the cold, cubed butter and lard. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the fats into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in cling film, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.
Making the Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss together the sliced apples, caster sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Roll out the pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the chilled pastry into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges.
- Add the filling: Pour the apple filling into the pastry-lined pie dish. Dot the top with the small pieces of butter.
- Top crust: Roll out the remaining pastry and either place it over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set.
Tips for the Best Apple Pie:
- Use a mix of apple varieties for a complex flavor profile.
- Don't overmix the pastry dough; overmixing will result in a tough crust.
- Ensure your butter and lard are very cold for a flaky crust.
- Blind baking the bottom crust for 15 minutes before adding the filling can prevent a soggy bottom.
- A sprinkle of coarse sugar on the top crust before baking adds a nice crunch.
Variations:
- Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Substitute some of the sugar with maple syrup for a richer, more complex sweetness.
- Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the filling to help thicken it.
- For a spiced twist, add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the filling.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving size. Use a nutrition calculator for precise information based on your specific ingredients. Generally, expect a moderately high calorie count due to the sugar and butter content. This is a treat to be enjoyed in moderation.
This delicious apple pie recipe is a fantastic example of how homemade cooking can produce incredibly satisfying results. It's a perfect quick dinner idea to follow a simple meal, offering a sweet ending to your day. Enjoy!