Moroccan Spiced Apple Pie

Ingredients

While the original American apple pie is known for its flaky crust and sweet apple filling, our Moroccan adaptation incorporates traditional Moroccan spices and flavors. The addition of saffron, cardamom, and almonds gives this pie a unique twist, infusing it with the rich and aromatic essence of Moroccan cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Apple Pie, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (60ml) ice water 1/4 cup (60ml) ice water
• 6 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced 6 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1/2 cup (50g) sliced almonds 1/2 cup (50g) sliced almonds
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 kJ
• Fat: 14g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
• Carbohydrates: 47g (Sugars: 26g)
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, saffron threads, sliced almonds, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
5. 5.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish. Transfer the dough to the dish and gently press it into the bottom and sides.
6. 6.
   Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
7. 7.
   Roll out the remaining dough and cut it into thin strips. Create a lattice pattern on top of the pie by weaving the strips over and under each other.
8. 8.
   Brush the lattice crust with the beaten egg wash.
9. 9.
   Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
10. 10.
    Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
11. 11.
    Dust the pie with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Saffron — To enhance the flavor and aroma of saffron, soak the threads in a tablespoon of warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the apple filling.
• Cardamom — For a more intense cardamom flavor, lightly crush the cardamom pods and remove the seeds. Grind the seeds using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder before adding them to the filling.
• Almonds — Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they turn golden brown. This will add a delightful nutty flavor and crunch to the pie.

Tips & Tricks

• For a decorative touch, sprinkle some additional saffron threads on top of the pie before baking.
• Serve the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
• If you prefer a sweeter pie, you can increase the amount of sugar in the filling to suit your taste.
• Make sure to let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set.
• Leftover pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or enjoy them cold.

Serving advice

Serve the Moroccan Spiced Apple Pie warm or at room temperature. Dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. Consider serving it with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of Moroccan flavor.

Presentation advice

To enhance the Moroccan theme, serve the pie on a decorative Moroccan-inspired plate or platter. Garnish with a few saffron threads and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an eye-catching presentation.