Winter Crumble with Apples

Ingredients

• For the Filling
• Apples (e.g., Bramley or a mix of eating apples) 1kg
• Caster sugar 75g
• Ground cinnamon 1 tsp
• Ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp
• Lemon zest 1/2 tsp
• Water 2 tbsp
• For the Crumble Topping
• Plain flour 200g
• Cold unsalted butter, cubed 100g
• Light brown sugar 75g
• Ground almonds 50g
• Pinch of salt 1

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan/Gas Mark 5).
2. Peel, core, and chop the apples into roughly 2cm chunks. Place them in a large saucepan with the caster sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon zest, and water.
3. Cook over a medium heat for about 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples have softened slightly but still hold their shape. Spoon the apple mixture into a medium-sized ovenproof dish (approx. 20x20cm).
4. To make the crumble topping, place the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter.
5. Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. You can also do this in a food processor.
6. Stir in the light brown sugar and ground almonds until just combined.
7. Scatter the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling in the dish.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
9. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve warm, perhaps with custard or cream.