Homemade Applesauce

An apple a day keeps the doctor away!! Well, I am sure most of us have heard this age old saying when growing up. Apple has many health benefits and works well in sweet or savory dishes. Apple is the most common fruit available in any household. It can be used in several different ways and is a good substitute for eggs in baking. I always have a jar of applesauce in my pantry which I use mostly for baking. Of course, you can't deny the convenience of store-bought applesauce, but it is simple and preservative-free when you make them at home and hardly takes any time. So, here's the basic recipe....

Ingredients:

2 medium apples, peeled, cored and sliced
2/3 cup filtered water
1 - 1 1/2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Sweetener of choice - raw sugar / agave syrup (optional)
Flavoring of choice (optional)

Method:

To prepare the applesauce, use any variety of apple. I used red delicious for this recipe but prefer fuji or royal gala as it tastes a whole lot better.

In a mixing bowl, add the sliced apples and lemon juice and toss well to coat them.

On medium high flame, pressure cook the sliced apples for 3-4 whistles (or you can alternatively cook it in a saucepan for 10-15 mins until the apples are soft). If you want to flavor with cinnamon powder, add 1/4 tsp over the apple slices when cooking them.

Cool the apples and grind finely along with sweetener of choice.  Mostly, apples tend to be naturally sweet and so, I use sweetener sparingly. Normally, I use about 1/2 - 1 tbsp sugar depending on the apples but adjust to taste, if you like it sweeter.

Store the applesauce in an airtight container and use within 2-3 days. It can be used as a baby food or use in baking recipes.

Yields 1 cup.