Imagine a recipe that transforms ordinary apples into a magical, heartwarming dish that brings memories of grandma's kitchen flooding back with every spoonful. This Old Fashioned Chunky Applesauce is not just a side dish – it's a nostalgic journey through flavor, simplicity, and pure culinary comfort that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your apples. Peel, core, and chop the 6 apples into chunky pieces. Make sure the pieces are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
- In a large saucepan, combine the chopped apples with ½ cup of water. This will help create steam and prevent the apples from sticking to the bottom of the pan as they cook.
- If you prefer your applesauce to be sweeter, add ¼ cup of sugar to the saucepan. You can adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the apples you are using and your personal preference.
- Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the mixture for flavor. Cinnamon adds a warm spice that complements the natural sweetness of the apples.
- Pour in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This will help to brighten the flavor of the applesauce and prevent the apples from browning during cooking.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the apples from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Once the mixture is simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Allow the apples to cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples should become soft and begin to break down.
- After 30 minutes, check the consistency of the applesauce. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use a potato masher or an immersion blender to puree the applesauce to your desired consistency.
- Taste the applesauce and adjust the sweetness or cinnamon if necessary. If it's too thick, you can add a bit more water to reach your preferred consistency.
- Once the applesauce is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm or refrigerate it for later use.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. This creates a more complex and balanced taste.
- Chunky vs. Smooth: The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. If you prefer a chunkier texture, go easy on mashing. For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender or potato masher.
- Spice it Up: While cinnamon is classic, don't be afraid to experiment with other spices like nutmeg or a pinch of allspice for extra depth.
- Natural Sweetness: Ripe apples often have enough natural sugar, so taste before adding extra. You can always add more sugar, but you can't take it away!
- Storage Hack: This applesauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in freezer-safe containers for a quick and delicious treat anytime.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy warm as a side dish, cold as a snack, or even as a healthier dessert topped with a sprinkle of granola or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
