Apple, Onion, and Speck Strudel: A Savory Delight
This Apple, Onion, and Speck Strudel offers a delicious combination of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors, wrapped in a buttery, crispy pastry. It’s perfect for an appetizer or a special treat during any season. The delicate sweetness of Red Delicious apples pairs beautifully with the rich, salty speck, and the caramelized onions elevate the overall taste with their deep, savory notes. This dish brings a warm and comforting feeling, combining traditional flavors in a contemporary twist.
Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 00 flour | 150g |
| Eggs | 55g |
| Water | 30g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 20g |
| Cornmeal flour (fioretto) | 10g |
| White onions | 400g |
| Red Delicious apples | 280g |
| Speck | 120g |
| Breadcrumbs | 50g |
| Fresh thyme | 3g |
| Fresh rosemary | 3g |
| Fresh sage | 3g |
| Extra virgin olive oil (for sautéing) | q.b. |
| Butter | 40g |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 00 flour, cornmeal, a pinch of salt, the egg, and the water. Begin mixing with a fork, then continue by hand until a smooth dough forms. Once you have your dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest while you prepare the filling.
2. Prepare the Filling
Slice the speck into thin strips. Peel and finely slice the white onions. Wash and halve the apples, removing the cores, and slice them into thin wedges.
In a large pan, heat a small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Add the speck and sauté until lightly crispy and golden. Remove and set aside. In a separate pan, heat another drizzle of olive oil and sauté the onions over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until soft and golden.
Add the crispy speck to the cooked onions. Toss in the sliced apples, followed by freshly chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage. Stir everything well to combine and allow the flavors to infuse for a few minutes. Remove the pan from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
3. Roll the Dough
Once the dough has rested, place it on a lightly floured kitchen towel. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a thin, rectangular shape. Gently stretch the dough by hand, working from the center to the edges, to achieve a large, even rectangle.
4. Assemble the Strudel
Brush the surface of the rolled dough with melted butter and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Spread the cooled filling of onions, apples, and speck evenly across one half of the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
5. Shape the Strudel
Using the kitchen towel, gently fold the dough over the filling to create a roll, starting from the edge closest to you. Tuck in the sides to seal the ends and prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
6. Bake
Place the assembled strudel onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top of the strudel with more melted butter and, with a sharp knife, make a few diagonal slits on top to allow steam to escape and to prevent the pastry from puffing up too much during baking.
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Keep an eye on the pastry to ensure it doesn’t over-brown.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the strudel from the oven and let it cool slightly. Slice and serve warm, and enjoy the savory goodness with a touch of sweetness. This strudel pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a refreshing salad for a balanced meal.
Tips and Variations
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like marjoram or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Adding Cheese: For a richer taste, you could add a small amount of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Gorgonzola to the filling for a creamy touch.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the strudel ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving for a hassle-free appetizer.
- Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan pastry dough if you prefer a dairy-free option.
This Apple, Onion, and Speck Strudel is a delightful dish that combines savory flavors with a satisfying crunch. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a light main course, it’s sure to impress your guests and leave everyone craving more. The contrast of textures and the balance of sweet apples, smoky speck, and caramelized onions make each bite an irresistible experience. Enjoy!
