To make apple pie filling, you'll need a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time. Here's a basic recipe:
Ingredients:
- 6-8 cups of peeled, cored, and sliced apples (use a variety of apples for the best flavor)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into uniform pieces. You can use a variety of apples for a more complex flavor profile.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
3. Toss Apples: Add the sliced apples to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Toss the apples until they are evenly coated with the sugar and spice mixture.
4. Add Lemon Juice: Drizzle the lemon juice over the apples and toss again to evenly distribute.
5. Let Rest: Let the apple mixture rest for about 15-30 minutes. This allows the apples to release some of their juices and helps to create a flavorful filling.
6. Cook the Filling: Transfer the apple mixture to a large saucepan or skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the apples start to soften slightly and the juices thicken.
7. Add Butter: Once the apples are cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the pieces of unsalted butter until melted. This adds richness and flavor to the filling.
8. Cool: Allow the apple pie filling to cool completely before using it in your pie. You can store the filling in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days if you're not using it immediately.
Once your apple pie filling is ready, you can use it to make delicious homemade apple pies, tarts, turnovers, or even as a topping for pancakes or ice cream. Enjoy!