Nitrate & Nitrite Free Maple-Oat Cinnamon Applesauce
Warm spiced apples, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, and a handful of rolled oats come together in one humble saucepan to create something that tastes far more special than the sum of its parts. The cinnamon and ginger build a cozy, fragrant depth while the oats thicken everything into a sauce that's hearty enough to stand on its own as a snack or side. Avoiding nitrates and nitrites is usually a concern with processed and cured foods, but a recipe built entirely from fresh fruit, whole grains, and pantry spices sidesteps all of that without any substitutions or label-reading required. Every single ingredient here is exactly what it says it is — no preservatives, no additives, just real food. You can mash it chunky for texture or blend it silky smooth depending on your mood, and it keeps in the fridge for up to five days so you can enjoy it all week long. Spoon it over oatmeal, serve it alongside a pork chop, or eat it straight from the bowl — honestly, no judgment there.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1.5 lbs apples (about 4 medium), peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 3 tbsp old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- 1
Combine the apple chunks, water, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir to coat the apples, then cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are completely tender and beginning to break down, about 15–18 minutes.
- 2
Stir in the rolled oats and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, until the oats have softened and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 5–7 minutes.
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