Apple strudel

Apple strudel (Apfelstrudel in German) is a traditional Viennese pastry, considered one of the national dishes of Austria. It belongs to the family of strudels, a type of layered pastry with a filling that is usually sweet. Apple strudel consists of an oblong strudel pastry jacket with an apple filling inside. The filling is made of grated cooking apples (usually of a tart, crisp and aromatic variety), sugar, cinnamon, raisins, and breadcrumbs.

History

The origins of apple strudel can be traced back to the Byzantine Empire, with the technique of stretching dough thinly possibly coming from the Arabian Peninsula, introduced into Austria via Turkish influence during the Ottoman Empire's attempts to conquer Europe. However, the dessert as it is known today was developed in the Habsburg Empire, becoming a popular dish in the Viennese court.

Ingredients and Preparation

The traditional apple strudel dough is made from flour, water, oil, and sometimes egg, stretched very thinly and filled with a mixture of tart apples, sugar, cinnamon, raisins, and breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs are used to absorb the juice from the apples and prevent the pastry from becoming soggy. The dough is then rolled up and baked until golden brown. The strudel is often served warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and sometimes accompanied by vanilla sauce, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream.

Variations

While the apple version is the most famous, strudels can be filled with a variety of other ingredients, including sweet fillings like cherry, sweet cheese, and poppy seed, or savory fillings like cabbage, pumpkin, and spinach.

Cultural Significance

Apple strudel has a significant place in Austrian cuisine and is also popular in many countries in Europe and around the world. It is often associated with the traditional coffee house culture of Vienna. In 1998, the apple strudel was officially recognized by the European Union as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), ensuring that only strudels made in Austria using traditional methods can be sold as "Original Viennese Apple Strudel."

See Also

• Strudel
• Austrian cuisine
• Viennese cuisine
• Pastry