Classic Apple Pie

Ingredients

To adapt this recipe to vegetarian cuisine, we have made a few modifications. Firstly, we have replaced the traditional butter in the crust with vegetable shortening. Secondly, we have used a plant-based alternative to the egg wash for the crust. Lastly, we have ensured that all ingredients used in the filling are vegetarian-friendly. We alse have the original recipe for Apple Pie, so you can check it out.

• 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1 cup (200g) vegetable shortening 1 cup (200g) vegetable shortening
• 6-8 tablespoons (90-120ml) ice water 6-8 tablespoons (90-120ml) ice water
• 6-7 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced 6-7 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (2g) ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon (2g) ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon (1g) ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon (1g) ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 52g (Sugar: 30g)
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Cut in the vegetable shortening using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. 3.
   Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape them into discs. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
5. 5.
   Roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie dish and gently press it into the bottom and sides.
6. 6.
   Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of unsalted butter.
7. 7.
   Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
8. 8.
   Optional: Brush the top crust with a mixture of milk and maple syrup for a golden finish.
9. 9.
   Make a few slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
10. 10.
    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.
11. 11.
    Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 1 hour before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Apples — Choose a firm variety such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
• Vegetable shortening — Ensure it is cold and solid for a flaky crust.
• Lemon juice — Prevents the apples from browning and adds a tangy flavor to the filling.
• Butter — For a vegan version, use a plant-based butter substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For a decorative touch, use cookie cutters to create shapes from the top crust before placing it over the filling.
• Serve the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
• Experiment with different apple varieties or add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the filling for added texture and flavor.
• Leftover pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Classic Apple Pie warm or at room temperature. For an extra special touch, top each slice with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the top of the pie with powdered sugar just before serving. Serve the pie on a decorative pie dish or plate, and consider adding a sprig of fresh mint or a cinnamon stick as a garnish.