Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 egg, beaten
Special equipment needed:
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add the sour cream and mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it is smooth.
3. Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, chopped walnuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
6. On a floured surface, roll out each disk of dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick.
7. Cut each circle into 8 triangles.
8. Spoon the apple and walnut mixture onto the center of each triangle.
9. Roll up each triangle, starting from the wide end and tucking in the sides as you go.
10. Place the pirags on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
11. Brush the beaten egg over the top of each pirag.
12. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Time:
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
16 pirags
Nutritional information:
Calories: 180
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of apple you prefer.
- Pecans or almonds can be substituted for the walnuts.
- White sugar can be used instead of brown sugar.
Variations:
- You can add raisins or dried cranberries to the apple and walnut mixture.
- Instead of cinnamon, you can use nutmeg or allspice.
- You can make a savory version of pirags by using cheese and ham instead of apples and walnuts.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is chilled before adding it to the flour mixture.
- Don't overwork the dough or it will become tough.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- You can freeze the pirags before baking and then bake them straight from the freezer.
Storage instructions:
Store the pirags in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the pirags in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the pirags on a platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle with chopped walnuts or cinnamon.
Pairings:
Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
A green salad or roasted vegetables would be a great side dish.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more sour cream.
- If the pirags are not browning evenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the apples are thoroughly washed and peeled before using.
Food history:
Pirags are a traditional Latvian pastry that is typically filled with bacon and onion. This recipe puts a sweet twist on the classic dish.
Flavor profiles:
The combination of sweet apples and nutty walnuts is complemented by the buttery pastry crust.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the pirags warm or at room temperature as a snack or dessert.
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