Apfelmus (German Applesauce)

🧂 Ingredients

• 1 kg Apples(Approximately 6-8 medium apples. A mix of sweet and tart varieties (like Gala, Fuji, Braeburn, or Granny Smith) works best for balanced flavor.)
• 100 g Granulated Sugar(Adjust to taste. You can use brown sugar for a richer flavor.)
• 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon(Or to taste. A small pinch of ground cloves can also be added.)
• 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice(Adds brightness and helps prevent browning.)
• 100 ml Water(About 1/2 cup. Add more if a thinner consistency is desired.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the apples: Wash, peel, core, and chop the apples into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces. Aim for uniform size for even cooking.

   ⏱️ 20 minutes
2. 2

   Simmer the apples: In a large saucepan or pot, combine the chopped apples, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very tender and easily pierced with a fork. The mixture should be bubbling gently.

   ⏱️ 20-25 minutes
3. 3

   Mash or blend: Once the apples are soft, remove the pot from the heat. For a smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a regular blender and process until smooth. For a chunkier texture, use a potato masher or fork to mash the apples directly in the pot. Be careful when blending hot liquids.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
4. 4

   Season the applesauce: Stir in the sugar and cinnamon. Continue stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness or cinnamon as needed. If the applesauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water until the desired consistency is reached.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes
5. 5

   Cool and serve: Let the applesauce cool slightly before serving. It can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

   ⏱️ 10-15 minutes (cooling)

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓Apfelmus is a classic accompaniment to Kartoffelpuffer (German potato pancakes).
• ✓Serve warm as a comforting side dish or chilled as a light dessert.
• ✓Experiment with different apple varieties for nuanced flavor profiles. A mix of sweet and tart apples is recommended.
• ✓For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar.

🔄 Variations

• Chunky Apfelmus: Mash the apples with a potato masher or fork instead of blending for a rustic, chunky texture.
• Spiced Apfelmus: Add a pinch of ground cloves, nutmeg, or a small piece of a cinnamon stick during simmering for extra spice.
• Unsweetened Apfelmus: Omit the sugar entirely if you prefer a purely tart applesauce, especially if using very sweet apples.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving