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Savory Apple Strudel

17/11/2023

The Apple Strudel is a classic of the Austro-Hungarian cuisine that has found a second home in Italy, especially in the border regions such as Trentino-South Tyrol. There is also a savory version that can be made using cheese and, possibly, additional ingredients that give a more rustic flavor. Here I describe how to prepare a Savory Apple Strudel with the addition of cheese and speck, which is much appreciated in South Tyrol.

Ingredients

  • 1 roll of puff pastry or strudel dough
  • 3 apples (such as Golden or Renette)
  • 150 g of thinly sliced speck
  • 150 g of semi-hard cheese (like Fontina or Emmental)
  • 30 g of butter
  • 2 tablespoons of mustard (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Nutmeg (optional)

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
  2. Peel the apples and cut them into thin slices. In a pan, melt the butter and add the apples, letting them soften for a few minutes. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste. Allow to cool.
  3. Lay out the puff pastry or strudel dough on a work surface. If you like, you can spread a thin layer of mustard on the base of the dough for a bit of a spicy flavor.
  4. Evenly distribute the speck on top of the dough, leaving a free margin at the edges.
  5. Cut the cheese into slices and lay it over the speck.
  6. Spread the cooled apples over the cheese.
  7. Roll the dough onto itself starting from the long side, sealing the edges well to prevent the filling from escaping.
  8. Place the strudel on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and make several diagonal cuts on the surface to allow moisture to escape.
  9. Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crispy.
  10. Let it cool slightly before cutting and serving the Strudel.

The Savory Apple Strudel is delicious served both hot and at room temperature and is perfect as a starter or a single dish when accompanied by a fresh green salad.

Curiosity

The traditional Apple Strudel is sweet and is often dusted with powdered sugar before serving. The savory version is a modern twist that combines the sweetness of the apples with the stronger flavors of speck and cheese, creating an interesting contrast of tastes. In Trentino-South Tyrol, it can also be served with a cheese sauce or onion chutney for a gourmet touch.

Savory Apple Strudel