Rustic Apple Crostata- 5/18/11
A crostata is the Italian version of a free-form tart, what the French call a galette but it has a rustic charm! The casual freeform nature of the dough enveloping around the fruity comfort is not only flavorful but also easy on the eyes. Crostatas are usually made with sweet/fruit fillings but it can definitely be filled with vegetables , ham, eggs.. the combination is infinite and it would be an equally appealing savory version. Aside from the one hour chill time for the dough, the preparation was quite simple.
If you like classic apple pies or crisps, and then you will enjoy this crostata. It’s super easy to make and there is no need for any special pans because it is free form. The crust is crispy and the apples combined with the cinnamon gives the tart a really good flavor.
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Close look at the crostata.
Preparation work..
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For the Pastry 1 cup all purpose flour 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1 stick very cold unsalted butter, diced 2 tablespoons ice water |
For the filling 3 to 4 apples 1/4 teaspoon grated orange zest 1/4 cup flour 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter |
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Prepare the dough. Place the flour, sugar and salt in a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Pulse a few time to combine. Add the butter and pulse 12 to 15 times. |
Keep pulsing until the butter is the size of peas. With the motor running add the ice water all at once through the feed tube. Keep hitting the pulse button to combine. Stop the machine just before the dough becomes a solid mass. |
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Turn the dough onto a well-floured board and form into a disk. |
Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. |
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An hour later, roll the pastry into a large circle and set aside. |
Peel and core the apples. Cut the apples into 8ths. Cut each wedge into 3 chucks. Toss the chunks with the orange zest. |
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Pour the apples in the middle of the dough leaving at least 1 to 2 inches border. |
Combine the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and allspice in a food processor. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture is crumbly. |
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Pour into a bowl and rut it with your fingers until its start holding together. |
Sprinkle evenly on the apples. |
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Gently fold the border over the apples to enclose the dough. Pre-heat the oven at 400 degrees and bake the for about 20 to 25 minutes. |
Remove from the oven and allow to cool down. Serve warm or at room temperature. |
