Homestyle Soul Food Apple Sauce

Ingredients

In this soul food adaptation of apple sauce, we infuse the sauce with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the comforting flavors. The texture is also slightly thicker, giving it a velvety consistency that pairs well with soul food dishes. Additionally, we use a touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the apples, creating a harmonious flavor profile that is characteristic of soul food cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Apple Sauce, so you can check it out.

• 6 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped 6 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 31g, 25g
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large saucepan, combine the chopped apples, water, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. 2.
   Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. 3.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the apples cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are soft and tender.
4. 4.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
5. 5.
   Using a blender or a food processor, blend the cooked apples until smooth.
6. 6.
   Stir in the lemon juice to add a touch of brightness to the sauce.
7. 7.
   Transfer the apple sauce to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate until chilled.
8. 8.
   Serve the Homestyle Soul Food Apple Sauce chilled or at room temperature.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Apples — Choose sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor in the sauce. Make sure to remove the cores and seeds before chopping.

Tips & Tricks

• For a chunkier texture, mash the cooked apples with a fork instead of blending them completely.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to your taste preference.
• Sprinkle a pinch of ground cloves for an extra layer of warm spice.
• Serve the apple sauce warm as a comforting dessert with a dollop of whipped cream.
• Use the apple sauce as a filling for homemade turnovers or hand pies.

Serving advice

Serve the Homestyle Soul Food Apple Sauce as a side dish alongside classic soul food dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, or cornbread. It also pairs well with pork chops or roasted turkey.

Presentation advice

Garnish the apple sauce with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a fresh apple slice for an elegant touch. Serve it in a small bowl or ramekin to showcase its smooth texture.