Applesauce can be an amazing dish that you can make at home. Here's an easy way to make this sweet snack.
Ingredients
- Apples (4 medium apples or 6 small apples make a pint)
- Water
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Sugar (if desired)
- Cinnamon (if desired)
- Brown sugar (if desired)
Step
Step 1. Peel and discard the center of the apple
The type of apple to use is up to you. You can use this recipe if you have slightly mushy apples that you don't want to just eat.
Step 2. Cut the apples
Cut the apple into cubes about 2.5 cm in size. The cuts don't have to be exactly the same but try to make them not too different.
Step 3. Put the apples in a large saucepan and add water
Place the apple slices in a large saucepan enough to hold all the apples and add enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. You won't be boiling the apple slices, you'll be steaming them, so add water as needed.
Step 4. Add lemon juice and salt
Add about 2 teaspoons of lemon juice (or other citric substance) to slow down oxidation and a pinch of salt to help break down the apples.
Step 5. Cook
Raise the pan over high heat. When the liquid has come to a boil, reduce the heat to medium low and cover the pot. Let the apples cook, stirring occasionally until the apples are soft. This step will take 20 to 30 minutes depending on how you want it.
Step 6. Puree
When the apples are done cooking, mash them with a fork or potato chipper to make a textured applesauce, or mash the apples in a blender for a smooth applesauce.
Step 7. Let cool and enjoy
Add sugar or cinnamon if you like, and serve warm or cold
Step 8. Done
Tips
- Use applesauce instead of oil when baking for a healthier dish.
- For added flavor, use apple cider or apple juice instead of water.
- Experiment with spices. Some suggestions include: cloves, lemon zest, cinnamon sticks, honey, maple syrup, ginger.
- As an alternative method, you don't need to remove the center of the apple and peel it and simply cut the apple into small pieces. When it's ripe, press the apple slices in a tight sieve to smooth them out while separating the skin from the center.
- Bake the apples in the oven before steaming for more flavor.
Warning
- Wait 5 to 8 minutes before eating it. (because it will be very hot)
- If you're making applesauce for your baby, there's no need to add salt.
- The apple slices will be very hot after cooking. Handle with care.
