East African Spiced Apple Pie

Ingredients

In this East African adaptation of the classic American Cheddar Cheese Apple Pie, we infuse the filling with aromatic East African spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. These spices add a distinct flavor profile that is commonly found in East African cuisine. Additionally, we incorporate the use of cheddar cheese, which is a popular ingredient in East African dishes, to add a savory element to the pie. We alse have the original recipe for Cheddar Cheese Apple Pie, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1 cup (227g) 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
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup (113g) cheddar cheese, grated 1 cup (113g) cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 20g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.3g

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 at least 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
5. 5.
   Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish and trim any excess.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle half of the grated cheddar cheese over the bottom of the pie crust. Spoon the apple filling over the cheese, spreading it evenly.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the remaining grated cheddar cheese over the top of the apple filling.
8. 8.
   Fold the edges of the pie crust over the filling, creating a rustic border.
9. 9.
   Brush the crust with the beaten egg wash.
10. 10.
    Bake the pie in the preheated oven 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 allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cheddar cheese — Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger flavor in the pie.
• Apples — Choose firm and slightly tart apples such as Granny Smith or Braeburn for the best texture and flavor in the pie.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the apple filling.
• Serve the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors.
• If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
• Experiment with different types of apples to find your preferred flavor combination.
• Leftover pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the East African Spiced Apple Pie warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the top of the pie with a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving. You can also garnish each slice with a small cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.