Berries and apple crumble with polenta

Summer might have gone but there is so much to look forward to at this time of year. I love those cosy nights in curled up on the sofa and lots of delicious warming food.
During lunch time I have started going out to the woods to collect chestnuts, so when I get home I roast them in a pan and we all enjoy them after dinner. A glass of wine is a must with them, red for me.
Although I haven't been very active on my blog, I have been very busy in the kitchen indeed, mainly cooking easy meals after work but also quite a few cakes too. My daughter loves homemade cakes for breakfast but as time is limited I only make quick ones. The smile on her face is worth every effort!
Last weekend I made a classic English crumble with an Italian twist. I used seasonal berries and apples and added some cornmeal or polenta flour, it gives an interesting crunchy texture to it. We all loved it and it was so easy to make.
We enjoyed it with vanilla ice cream. Alternatively you can serve it with cream or Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time : 15 minutes
- Cook Time : 35 minutes
- Yield : 6
Ingredients
- mixed berries of your choice - 300 g - 3 cups
- apples (peeled, cored and chopped) - 350 g - 3 cups
- cinnamon - 1 tsp
- plain flour - 100 g - 7/8 cup
- brown sugar - 70 g - 3/8 cup + 2 tbsp for the fruit
- oats - 80 g - 1 cup
- cornmeal (polenta flour) - 40 g - 1/4 cup
- butter - 90 g - just over 3/8 cup
- lemon juice - 1/2
- vanilla ice cream, cream or Greek yogurt - to serve
Instructions
Put the apples and the berries in an ovenproof baking dish (of a capacity of 1,5 liters or 51 fl oz of volume), add the lemon juice, 2 tbsp of sugar , 2 tbsp of water and mix well.
In a bowl mix the flour, with the cornmeal (polenta), the oats, the cinnamon and the sugar. Add the butter and rub with your fingertips to make a wet crumbly consistency. Sprinkle over the fruit and level it well. Bake for about 35 minutes or until slightly golden on top.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, cream or Greek yogurt.
I am drooling over that thick layer of crisp topping! Happy Fall, Alida!
Every year I cannot wait for the new apples to make this!
this looks wonderful ! I love crumble !! xo
Grazie cara un abbraccio!
That looks delicious! You don’t have to say you’re busy when you’re a young mom with children! Of course you’re busy! I hope all is well.
Thanks Mimi all well here xx
Dear Alida, I am so happy to read you managed to find some time for the blog…. it is not easy at all … I am also in love with roasted chestnuts and young wine 🙂
Happy autumn, my dear ! xo
I have never had as many chestnuts like this year, so nice though.
What a wonderful idea to add polenta to the topping. I’ve a crumble planned, but it’s not going to look as gloriously colourful as yours. But you’ve inspired me to hurry up and get on with it.
Thank you Choclette. I grew up with polenta so I would add it everywhere if I could!
I love crumble. Yours looks simply delightful:)
Thank you Zaza. This is my favourite at the moment.
Alida, this berry and apple crumble is stunning! So swooning over the crunchy polenta topping!
Thank you Kelly
Mi incuriosisce molto questa preparazione, grazie Alida, da fare!
Un dolce inglese un’po modificato e di facile preparazione.
Looks like an easy but tasty dish. And that’s right up my alley. 🙂 I’m intrigued by the idea of using polenta as a topping, will definitely give it try!
Polenta adds an extra crunch. I love all types of crumbles though.
I like the idea of the crunchy polenta topping…it must give such a nice texture to the soft fruit.
Yes, it certainly gives it a more rustic touch.
I agree that there is still time in autumn to enjoy berry recipes! And with polenta . . . how unique and delicious! Most definitely a topping that I will try in future recipes! Thank you!
Ciao,
Roz