Healthy and Delicious Recipe: Lean Apple Pie
This lean apple pie is a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional desserts, featuring the natural sweetness of apples and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a cozy gathering or a sweet treat at home, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to please!
Ingredients:
- 7 apples (green apples work well)
- 1/2 cup (95 grams) coconut sugar
- 1 cup (140 grams) spelt flour
- 3/4 cup (100 grams) semolina
- 1/2 packet of baking powder
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons neutral oil (such as sunflower or canola)
Preparation:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Celsius (482 degrees Fahrenheit). Grease a baking pan well; a 20x20 cm (8x8 inch) square ceramic pan is ideal, but any baking pan will work. A slightly larger pan will yield a thinner pie.
- Prepare the Apples: Grate the apples using a grater for a nice texture. If you prefer, you can slice them, but grated apples blend better with the other ingredients. If your apples are organic and unsprayed, you can leave the peel on after washing them thoroughly. Otherwise, feel free to peel them.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large, deep bowl, combine the spelt flour, semolina, cinnamon, baking powder, and coconut sugar. Mix well to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Layer the Ingredients: In the greased baking pan, add one-third of the dry flour mixture. Then, layer one-third of the grated apples on top. Repeat this process two more times, alternating between the dry mixture and the grated apples. Finish with a final layer of grated apples, pressing them down gently.
- Optional: For added texture, you can sprinkle chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds) between the layers for a delicious crunch.
- Add Oil and Bake: Drizzle the neutral oil over the top of the pie. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that, reduce the temperature to 150 degrees Celsius (302 degrees Fahrenheit) and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely before cutting it into pieces. This step is crucial for ensuring the pie holds its shape. The pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes and Tips:
- You can substitute coconut sugar with another granulated sweetener, but avoid liquid sweeteners as they may alter the texture.
- Spelt flour can be replaced with whole wheat flour, rye flour, or oat flour in the same amount. Other healthy flours may work, but results may vary.
Enjoy this healthy and delicious lean apple pie as a guilt-free dessert or snack.