Curried Apple Turnovers
Fragrant crispy Curried Apple Turnovers with tender apples inside.
My family always looks forward to apple picking this time of year. The kids enjoy climbing up on daddy’s broad shoulders to reach for juicy autumn orbs tucked beneath leafy branches.
They get even more excited about all the other glorious things you find at an apple orchard… Farm animals to feed, hay rides, play areas, and decedent apple treats!
Henderson county, just south of us, is known for having more apple orchards than any other county in the US. (Yes, that includes Michigan and Washington.)
Who knew that this little corner of western North Carolina could produce such apples!
We have visited our fair share of apple orchards over the last decade and have firmly decided on a favorite, Sky Top Orchard. As noted by it’s name, Sky Top Orchard is located on a mountain top in Flat Rock, North Carolina.
With lush mountain views in all directions, why would you want to pick apples any where else?
Plus, they have great variety in the orchard, a well-stocked apple emporium, and plenty of extra attractions to keep the kiddos busy long after the bushels are filled to the brim.
As if that weren’t enough, they also sell hot fresh apple-cider donuts. After your first bite of these supple, sugar-crusted rings, you don’t know whether to swear, thank God, and cry out of utter bliss!
Alright, enough about the donuts.
While I’m pondering the possibility of recreating them, I’d like to offer you another apple treat that is perfectly lovely in its own right. Curried Apple Turnovers are one of my favorite fall snacks. They are cute, easy to take with you, and full of flavor.
There is only one problem with making apple sweets. When you bring home bushels of apples from the orchard, you start to worry about monotony. After all, what better accents apples than cinnamon?
Yet if you spice all your apples with cinnamon, it doesn’t matter whether you make turnovers, pies, crisps, cakes, or muffins. You end up with same flavor.
As a girl who likes a lot of variety, I’ve been experimenting with different flavor profiles to complement apples.
I’ve found that curry powder and garam masala do wonders to spice up savory or sweet apple dishes. Both are Indian spice blends usually containing a little cinnamon. Yet, you also get a bit of coriander, clove, fenugreek, turmeric, cumin, and cardamom as well.
These extra spices provide rich depth to your apple treats… And the element of surprise!
I’ve noticed that if you don’t tell your taste-testers what your secret ingredient is, they will devour several hand pies while contemplating the possibilities, and still may never figure it out!
The touch of curry in these crispy Curried Apple Turnovers adds that little extra something, without overpowering the apple goodness.
Curried Apple Turnovers
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry
- 2 Granny Smith apples, medium
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ¼ teaspoon curry powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water
- Turbinado sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Peel and chop the apples into ¼ inch cubes. Mix the apple cubes with the raisins, orange zest, orange juice, brown sugar, flour, garam masala, curry powder, and salt.
- Cut each puff pastry sheet into 9 squares and place them on baking stones or parchment paper-lined cookie sheets. Gently roll out each square into a diamond shape. Top each diamond with a tablespoon of apple mixture.
- Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush the egg wash over the edges of the diamond. Then fold the dough over the apple mixture and crimp the edges with a fork.
- Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with Turbinado sugar. Bake for 17-20 minutes until golden brown on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Sounds like a winner to me. I am sure it must be delicius!
HI Sommer
I would never have thought of curry or any Indian spices in my apple pies, but when you explain it, it makes all the sense in the world! I imagine it does add a lot of depth of flavor, and tintilates the imagination, trying to figure out what it could be! Thanks for thinking outside the box!
What an interesting recipe. I often use garam masala and curry powder but never in a "sweet" form…hmmmm…
I love the spide haystack! cool, these look great
Oh Sommer, these sound so good. And I love the idea of curry or garam masala with apples. I keep both in my pantry, so I'm dreaming now (smile). Yum!
I love anything with curry! Your turnovers look fantastic. And I *might* be bias, but N.C. does have some of the best apples around. :)
And by him, I mean my husband. Whoops!
I love the idea of adding some spice to these apples turnovers! We have an apple orchard about an hour south of us and I have been telling him that we need to go soon. I might use this recipe to get him in the car to go. Sounds delicious! Also, wanted to thank you again for the giveaway treats. We got them this weekend and have enjoyed them immensely! Thank you!!
Its like fall in a pocket! Did you get a gig for the examiner? I got led to that site from foodbuzz first and I was baffled! If so, congrats!
Indeed an unusual combination. I would love to try them.
I love this twist on apple turnovers!! These look gorgeous, and they're a great way to welcome this awesome fall weather. Thanks for the recipe =)
Oh, these sound heavenly, Sommer! Can you believe I never went apple picking in all my days in H'ville! Perhaps on our visit this fall. ( :
MMMM, those look great. One of my favorite recipes is curried peaches. I've never tried it with any other fruit but am going to try curried apples soon :-) Kate @kateiscooking
Those look wonderful. I never thought to put curry powder in sweet dishes before. Sounds like a great combo. I love going apple picking. I never knew that apples grew in NC, never mind that the state grew so many. Thanks for sharing.
The curry in the turnovers really puts a new spin on a very popular old favorite. I think it would be a wonderful addition. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings…Mary
Very creative flavor combination! It sounds delicious though and I'd be more than willing to taste test ;o) And thanks for mentioning apple cider donuts, I will be craving them all day now LOL
What an interesting flavor combo! Very creative. I love apple orchards, and making turnovers with your bounty is the perfect way to use them:)
Oh, you're killing me. These look incredible. I have everything I need to make them. Must….use….willpower. If I had any. Another recipe to print and make. (Thanks!)