Sugar-Free Apple Turnovers

Preparation

For the filling:
Peel and grate apples, put it into a mixing bowl. Add cinnamon and sweetener (honey, stevia, agave or maple syrup), if using. Don’t use more than 2 spoonfuls even if you have sweet tooth, the apples are sweet enough.

Add water and mix well. Pour into a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Mix remaining water and cornstarch, and add to apple mixure. Mix until smooth and yellowish. Add vanilla and stir vigorously. Remove from heat when it comes to a boil. Set aside and prepare the dough.

For the dough:
Measure flour into a mixing bowl.

Put the bowl over a saucepan of hot water and place butter in bowl to soften so it is easier to work with it. (You can also choose to put the bowl with the butter in the microwave on medium heat for 10 seconds or so. But make sure you place something on top if you don’t fancy cleaning the microwave oven later, as butter might sizzle and splatter.)

Crack egg and add to the flour. Add melted butter and baking powder. (If desired, add a spoonful of honey.) Add water and mix well with your fingers until dough comes together.

Divide dough into 9 small balls of roughly the same size. Sprinkle some flour on a work surface and put one ball in the middle. Flatten with a rolling pin into more or less a rectangular shape. Place a spoonful of filling in the middle. Fold it in half and push the dough together with your fingers. Make sure you don’t leave any gaps where the filling might escape. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.

Pour oil into a frying pan and heat over medium heat. When it starts sizzling, add the 2 apple turnovers into the oil to fry. In about 20 seconds (or more, depending on the hob), flip to fry the other side. Take them out when both sides look golden brown. Repeat with remaining turnovers.