Fried Apple or Peach Pies
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
3 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (or peaches, peeled and chopped)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken the filling)
For the Pie Dough:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
1/4 to 1/2 cup cold water (as needed)
For Frying:
Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sugar Coating:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions:
Prepare the Filling:
In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped apples (or peaches), sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is thickened and the fruit is tender. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
Make the Pie Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together and is just moist enough to hold its shape. Do not overwork the dough.
Divide the dough into two portions, shape into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough. Repeat with the second disc of dough.
Assemble the Pies:
Place a tablespoon of the cooled fruit filling in the center of half of the dough circles. Moisten the edges of the circles with a little water, place another dough circle on top, and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges and ensure they are well sealed.
Fry the Pies:
Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully fry the pies in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Coat with Sugar:
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. While the pies are still warm, sprinkle or roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Serve:
Serve the fried apple or peach pies warm. They are perfect on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Prep Time: 45 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 300 kcal per pie (based on 8 pies) | Servings: 8 pies