Nitrate & Nitrite Free Ginger Cinnamon Applesauce
Warm, fragrant, and made entirely from scratch, this spiced applesauce is the kind of simple recipe that makes your whole kitchen smell incredible. Fresh ginger adds a bright, slightly spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the earthy warmth of cinnamon, while a touch of maple syrup brings just enough natural sweetness to let the apples shine. Store-bought applesauce often contains preservatives and additives that can be a concern for anyone avoiding nitrates and nitrites, so making your own means you know exactly what's in every spoonful. The ingredient list here is refreshingly short — just apples, water, a few pantry spices, and maple syrup, with nothing hidden or unnecessary. You can leave it chunky and rustic with a potato masher, or go silky smooth with an immersion blender depending on your mood. It works beautifully as a side dish, a topping for oatmeal or pancakes, or honestly just eaten straight from the pot while it's still warm.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 3 lbs apples (about 6 medium), peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- 1
Combine the apple chunks, water, grated ginger, ground cinnamon, maple syrup, and salt in a large saucepan. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
- 2
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are completely tender and collapse easily when pressed with a spoon, about 20–25 minutes.
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