Quick Homemade Applesauce - No Sugar Added

What's Cooking?'s Note:

A quick, easy homemade applesauce recipe that I served with potato latkes this year. It has no added sugar, which makes it a better option for diabetics and low-carb people and others who avoid cane sugar. But if you prefer a sweeter sauce, add 1/2 cup of sugar. I recommend using 1/2 sweet apples (I like Braeburn) and 1/2 tart apples (Granny Smith, for example). Don't leave out the salt, it's a necessary ingredient for a good applesauce!

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 3 lbs apples
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 thin lemon slices
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Peel and core apples (I prefer to leave the skin on a few of them because I like the taste and texture). Cut apples into approximately 1 inch cubes.
2. Add all ingredients to pot, and turn heat on high. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the apples have softened significantly.
3. Stir frequently, making sure that the apples are not sticking to the bottom of the pot. Add more water if necessary. Remove lemon slices.
4. Mash with a potato masher or use a food mill for a smoother consistency. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Reviews

[Sydney Mike]

Here's a very, very good recipe for a nice tasting applesauce! I did cut back on the cinnamon & nutmeg [but still wanted the taste of them in there], & since I like my sauce chunky, I carefully watched while cooking, & when the apples were just a little tender, I removed about 1/4 of the chunky apples, leaving the rest to get really soft. When the cooking was done, I returned the reserved tender chunks to the mix & voila!! Thanks so much for the very fine recipe!

[Revkels]

I made this with all McIntosh apples and one granny smith apple (just what I had on hand). I cut out the nutmeg because I didn't have any. This applesauce is plenty sweet with sugar added and it has such a nice crisp taste. I really enjoyed making it, too. Who knew peeling and coring apples could be so relaxing?

[Chef #1404909]

Made this using pears instead. Excellent! The kids love it.