Green Chile Apple Pie

Green Chile Apple Pie Recipe - Delicious and Unique Dessert from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 1 to 1.5 hour | Servings: 8

Introduction

Green Chile Apple Pie is a unique twist on the classic apple pie, adding a spicy kick with the addition of hot green chiles. This recipe combines the sweetness of apples with the heat of chiles for a delicious and unexpected flavor combination.

History

The Green Chile Apple Pie recipe is a fusion of traditional American apple pie with Southwestern flavors. The addition of green chiles adds a spicy element to the sweet apple filling, creating a unique and flavorful dessert.

Ingredients

Crust

4 tbsp lard
2 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 cup ice water
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder

Filling

6 to 7 apples (such as Granny Smith, Fuji and/or Gala), peeled and sliced (about 6 cup)
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 cup turbinado sugar, plus more for sprinkling
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
0.5 tsp ground ginger
0.5 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
0.25 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
0.25 cup canned or frozen chopped hot green chiles (thawed if frozen)
0.25 cup piñon nuts (pine nuts)
1 large egg

How to prepare

Crust

Cut the lard into 0.5-inch cubes and transfer them to a plate. Freeze for at least 1 hour.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder.
Using 2 knives, cut in the lard until the mixture resembles coarse meal with pea-size bits of lard.
Gradually stir in 0.5 to 1 cup of ice water, a little at a time, until the dough holds together when squeezed.
Divide the dough between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and use the plastic to help shape each half into a disk.
Wrap tightly and refrigerate until firm, for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Filling

In a large bowl, combine the apples, flour, turbinado sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, lemon juice, green chiles, and pine nuts. Toss to mix well.
Let the mixture sit for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).

Prepare

On a lightly floured surface, roll out 1 disk of dough into a 12-inch round.
Gently place the rolled dough into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate.
Spoon the filling into the crust.
Roll out the remaining disk of dough into a 12-inch round and lay it over the filling.
Press the 2 crusts together around the edge, then fold the overhanging dough under itself and crimp with your fingers.
To allow steam to escape, cut a few slits in the top crust or prick it with a fork.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with 0.25 cup of water and brush it over the top crust.
Sprinkle turbinado sugar on top.

Bake

Bake the pie at 375°F (191°C), rotating it every 20 minutes, until it turns golden brown. This should take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Transfer the pie to a rack and let it cool completely.

Courtesy

Recipe courtesy of Michael Rawl (Food Network Magazine).

Variations

Add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins to the apple filling for added sweetness.
Substitute pecans or walnuts for the pine nuts for a different nutty flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a variety of apples for the filling to add depth of flavor and texture.

- Let the apple filling sit for 20 minutes before baking to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Brushing the top crust with an egg wash and sprinkling with sugar will give the pie a beautiful golden brown finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Green Chile Apple Pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Use a sharp knife to peel and slice the apples evenly for a uniform filling.

- Be sure to preheat the oven to the correct temperature before baking the pie.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have lard, you can use butter or vegetable shortening in the crust.

- If you can't find turbinado sugar, you can use brown sugar as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pie crust and apple filling ahead of time and assemble the pie just before baking for a convenient make-ahead dessert.

Presentation Ideas

Serve slices of Green Chile Apple Pie on decorative plates with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Green Chile Apple Pie with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk for a delicious dessert pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Green Chile Apple Pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Green Chile Apple Pie contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Green Chile Apple Pie contains approximately 50 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Green Chile Apple Pie contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Green Chile Apple Pie contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Green Chile Apple Pie is a good source of vitamin C from the apples and lemon juice.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (gluten) and tree nuts (pine nuts).

Summary

Green Chile Apple Pie is a delicious dessert option that provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also offers a good source of vitamin C.

Summary

Green Chile Apple Pie is a unique and flavorful dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with the heat of green chiles. This recipe offers a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making it a delicious treat for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Green Chile Apple Pie. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Maria's house in New Mexico. Maria's abuela, her grandmother, was known for her amazing cooking skills and always had something delicious baking in the oven.

As soon as I walked into the kitchen, I was hit with the tantalizing aroma of cinnamon and green chiles. Maria's abuela was busy peeling and slicing apples, the green chiles adding a unique twist to the traditional apple pie recipe. I was intrigued and asked her if I could help out or at least watch her make the pie.

Maria's abuela smiled and handed me a knife, instructing me on how to peel and slice the apples just right. She then showed me how to roast and peel the green chiles, explaining that the smokiness would complement the sweetness of the apples perfectly. As we worked together, she shared stories of how she had learned this recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations.

I was mesmerized by the love and care she put into each step of the pie-making process. From rolling out the pie crust to carefully arranging the apple slices in a spiral pattern, she treated each ingredient with reverence and respect. It was clear that this recipe was more than just a dish to her - it was a connection to her family and heritage.

Finally, the pie was ready to go into the oven, and Maria's abuela brushed the crust with melted butter and sprinkled it with cinnamon sugar. As we waited for it to bake, she told me stories of her childhood in New Mexico, of picking apples in the orchard and roasting green chiles over an open flame. I could feel the history and tradition behind each ingredient, each technique passed down from generation to generation.

When the pie was finally done, she cut into it and served us each a warm slice. The combination of sweet apples and spicy green chiles was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. The flavors danced on my tongue, creating a harmonious symphony of tastes and textures.

As I savored my slice of Green Chile Apple Pie, I knew that I had to learn how to make this recipe for myself. Maria's abuela graciously shared her recipe with me, writing it down on a piece of yellowed paper that had been passed down in her family for generations.

Since that day, I have made Green Chile Apple Pie for my own family on special occasions. Each time I bake it, I am reminded of Maria's abuela and the love and passion she poured into her cooking. This recipe has become a part of my own family's traditions, a way to connect with our heritage and honor the memories of those who came before us.

I am grateful for the day I walked into Maria's kitchen and discovered the magic of Green Chile Apple Pie. It is a recipe that has not only filled our bellies but also warmed our hearts, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. And for that, I will always be thankful to Maria's abuela and the legacy she has passed on to me.