Cinnamon-Sugar Fried Apple Pies

Let's Cook

1. Step 1.

   Combine the diced apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a wok over medium heat. Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, until the apples soften, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the butter, then set the filling aside to cool completely.

2. Step 2.

   While the filling cools, make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut the lard into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the fat is well incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse sand (no pea-size pieces). Stir in the milk and gather the dough together, squeezing until it forms a ball. If the dough seems too dry, add up to 2 tablespoons more milk, a little at a time, and squeeze again until it holds together.

3. Step 3.

   Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces and flatten each into a small disk with the heel of your hand. On a lightly floured surface, roll each disk into a circle about ⅛-inch thick and 4 inches in diameter.

4. Step 4.

   Place a heaping spoonful of the cooled apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon, and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

5. Step 5.

   In a clean wok, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F, using a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature. Fry the pies a few at a time (about 4 without crowding) until golden brown on one side, about 2–3 minutes. Flip with a spatula and fry until the other side is golden, another 2–3 minutes.

6. Step 6.

   Transfer the fried pies to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. While still hot, dust generously with sugar. Repeat with the remaining pies. Serve warm.