| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 250 | 0.3g | 0.1g | 43g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 39g | 2g | 0.3g | 0.01g |
There’s something exceptionally comforting about embracing memories of the past through the cuisine of our lineage. One of my personal favorites, the Spiced Crab Apples Recipe, does just that. Echoing the sweetness of my Italian roots, this fruit-based recipe harkens back to the homely, rustic cooking my Italian grandparents introduced me to. Bridging the gap between my past and my palate, this unique and vibrant dish has become a mainstay in my kitchen, and hopefully yours too.
Spiced Crab Apples Recipe – A Dance of Rustic Flavors
Spiced Crab Apples are a bewitching contradiction of sweet, spicy, and tangy—bolstered by a variety of aromatic spices. This spiced creation is a reminder that sometimes, the most potent ingredients are the simplest. Rooted in a rustic simplicity, it’s a dish that calls to mind the warming stews of Italy, while pulling in touches reminiscent of the traditional Mostarda di frutta, a fruit mustard that’s popular in Northern Italian regions. Moreover, these bewitching crab apples make a wonderful pairing with robust dishes. Consider trying them with succulent roasted pork or a hearty cheese platter.
Rustic Delight Meets Health Benefits
One of the reasons I adore the Spiced Crab Apples Recipe isn’t just for its rustic charm, but also for its inherent health benefits. Bursting with nutritional value, Crab Apples are rich in vitamin C and fiber. Plus, the combination of spices, like cinnamon and cloves, not only infuse the dish with inviting warmth but also offer a slew of health benefits. These spices are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making this delicacy a delicious and healthy option that can become an integral part of your dietary regimen. Here’s a credible source on the health benefits of cinnamon that you might find interesting.
Rooted in family traditions and an undying love for hearty Italian-American favorites, the Spiced Crab Apples Recipe is more than just a satiating delight—it’s an aromatic journey down memory lane, taking me back to the homeland of my Italian grandparents. So, here’s to family, tradition, and most importantly, good food! Saluti!
What You’ll Need
- 24 small crab apples
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 12 cloves
- 1 star anise
- Zest of 1 orange
Method
Step One
Start by washing the crab apples thoroughly. Make sure you remove the stems and scrub off any dirt. Try to retain the blossom part of the apple if possible as it adds to the presentation.
Step Two
In a large pot, combine the sugar, water and apple cider vinegar. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring until all the sugar dissolves.
Step Three
Add in your spices – the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise. Also add the zest of one orange. Stir this mixture regularly to ensure the spices blend well and infuse into the syrup.
Step Four
Once your syrup is ready, gently add the crab apples to the pot. Ensure each apple is fully submerged in the mixture so that they can start to absorb the flavors. Let this simmer under a low heat for around 20 to 25 minutes or until the apples are tender. Be sure not to overcook the apples as they may begin to lose their beautiful shape.
Step Five
After your crab apples have cooked, carefully remove them with a slotted spoon and place them into sterilized jars.
Step Six
Pour the hot spiced syrup over the apples in each jar, ensuring that the apples are fully covered in the syrup. Once this is done, seal the jars and allow them to cool at room temperature. Store these jars in a cool, dark place to develop the flavors. For best results, allow at least a week before consuming these spiced crab apples.
