Nitrate & Nitrite Free Classic Applesauce
Homemade applesauce is one of those simple pleasures that store-bought versions can never quite match, and this recipe proves exactly why. A blend of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples creates a beautifully balanced sauce with natural depth ā no artificial preservatives, added colors, or curing agents anywhere in sight. For anyone navigating a diet free from nitrates and nitrites, packaged convenience foods can be a minefield, but a recipe this clean and straightforward puts you completely in control of what goes into the pot. Fresh lemon juice brightens the whole thing up while a touch of cinnamon and a pinch of salt round out the flavor in the most satisfying way. You can mash it chunky for texture or work it into something silky smooth ā either way, it comes together in a single saucepan with barely any effort. Serve it warm alongside a savory dinner, spoon it over oatmeal in the morning, or eat it straight from the jar because honestly, it's that good.
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Learn more āIngredients
6 servings
- 3 lbs apples (about 6 medium; a mix of granny smith and honeycrisp works well), peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
- ā cup water
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- Ā½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ā tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- 1
Combine the apple chunks, water, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large saucepan. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
- 2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 18ā22 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are completely tender and collapse easily when pressed with a spoon.
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