| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 0.3g | 0g | 40g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 33g | 3.4g | 0.4g | 0.01g |
I recently rustled up a batch of something special – my delightful take on the quintessential fruit creation: Apple Sauce. There’s nothing more comforting and versatile than a good Apple Sauce, whether you’re spreading it atop pancakes, using it as a sweetener for baked goods or dolloping it on a succulent roast. Inspired by the abundance of apples in Washington State, my Seattle roots, and my aim to balance flavor profiles – would it surprise you to see this on my table halfway across the world?
The Essence of Simplicity
Just six ingredients, but what a symphony they create together. And such simple elements too: apples, sugar, water, lemon, and a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg for that warming aromatic punch. You might think something so simple hails from a far simpler place, but its roots run deep. According to the Food Timeline, apple sauce is as old as apples themselves, and recipes for it date back to the 1st century AD!
Healthful Delights Gifted by Nature
Beyond its delicious nature, this Apple Sauce is also a boon to your health. The wholesome goodness of apples plays a part, naturally. They’re not hailed as a superfruit for nothing – packed full of fiber and Vitamin C. Yet, it’s the accompaniments that add depth to the nutritive quotient. The kick of Vitamin C from lemon juice aids in keeping your immune system robust, while the spices not only bring a bounty of flavors but also a range of health benefits. Cinnamon is known to have anti-diabetic effects and can lower cholesterol, while nutmeg offers a range of benefits, including pain relief and improved digestion.
A Savory Companion
This Apple Sauce proves itself a versatile accomplice to many a dish. Besides being a standout choice for sweet treats, from pancakes to pastries, it’s also an unexpectedly delightful pairing to savory plates. Have you tried Apple Sauce with a roast pork, similar to the British Classic? The tart sweetness of the apple, combined with the roast’s rich, savory depths, makes for an unforgettable dish. No matter how you use this Apple Sauce, it’s bound to leave you wanting more, adding a little sweetness and tang to any dish you decide to pair it with. In Japan, where I often find myself, it’s akin to the umami sensation – a difficult aspect to define, but an essential one nonetheless.
So there you have it, my Apple Sauce recipe – a beautifully simple, heartwarming, and healthful creation that brings the humble apple to the culinary forefront. Each spoonful a testament to local ingredients and global flavor profiles. Note that prowess comes with practice. So gather those apples and let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 4 lbs of apples
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp of nutmeg
- 1/2 cup of water
- juice of 1 lemon
Method
Step One
Peel, core, and chop the apples into chunks. Place the chopped apples in a large pot.
Step Two
Add sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, water, and lemon juice to the pot of apples.
Step Three
Stir to combine all the ingredients until the apples are coated with sugar and spice mixture, then cover the pot.
Step Four
Set the pot on medium heat and let the mixture come to a simmer. Once it begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 20 – 30 minutes, until the apples are completely soft and cooked through.
Step Five
Once the apples are soft, use a blender or a food processor to puree the apple mixture until it reaches your preferred consistency. If you like a chunky apple sauce, you can simply mash it with a potato masher or a fork.
Step Six
Let the apple sauce cool before serving or storing. This homemade apple sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
