Southern European Apple Walnut Strudel Recipe

Southern European-Inspired Apple and Walnut Strudel

Embark on a culinary journey with a classic Southern European twist on a beloved Slovenian dessert. This Apple and Walnut Strudel harmoniously layers crisp phyllo dough with a luscious filling of apples, walnuts, and a touch of cinnamon. A delightful duet of cottage cheese and sour cream adds creaminess, while poppy seeds and raisins offer bursts of texture and sweetness. This dish promises a rich tapestry of flavors, perfect for a sumptuous dessert or a sweet indulgence for a cozy evening. It’s a creation as lovely to behold as it is to taste.

Serves: 2

Difficulty: Expert

Preparation Time: 40 minutes, Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 sheets of phyllo dough
• 150 grams of cottage cheese
• 100 grams of sour cream
• 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds
• 100 grams of walnuts, chopped
• 2 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 50 grams of raisins
• 3 tablespoons of sugar
• 50 grams of butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Method

• Preheat your oven to 180°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese, sour cream, poppy seeds, chopped walnuts, raisins, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined.
• Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush it with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and brush with butter. Repeat until all sheets are layered.
• Spread the cheese and nut mixture down one side of the phyllo sheets, leaving a small border.
• Layer the sliced apples over the mixture, then carefully roll the phyllo dough, starting from the mixture side, into a tight roll.
• Transfer the roll to the prepared baking sheet and brush the top with the remaining melted butter.
• Bake for 30 minutes or until the phyllo is golden and crisp.
• Allow the strudel to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips

• Ensure your phyllo dough is thawed and covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying while you work.
• For a nutty aroma, lightly toast the poppy seeds in a dry pan before adding them to the mixture.
• Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of indulgence.

Nutritional Information