Imagine the comforting aroma of cinnamon and sweet apples wafting through your kitchen.
Stewed apples are a simple yet indulgent treat that warms the soul, perfect for cozy evenings or as a delightful dessert.
With just a few ingredients, watch as crisp apples transform into a tender, flavorful dish.
The process is soothing, and the result is pure comfort.
Let’s bring this delicious dish to life and fill your home with its inviting scent.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large saucepan
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 peeler
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
Ingredients
- 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the stewed apples, follow this timeline:
- Reading & Preparation (5 minutes):
- Read through the entire recipe and gather all equipment and ingredients.
- Prep Work (10 minutes):
- Peel, core, and slice the apples on a cutting board.
- Cooking (15 minutes):
- Place the sliced apples in a large saucepan.
- Add sugar, cinnamon, water, and lemon juice to the saucepan.
- Stir the ingredients with a wooden spoon until well combined.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender.
- Resting Time (5 minutes):
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the stewed apples rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Peel, core, and slice the apples on a cutting board.
Place the sliced apples in a large saucepan.
Add sugar, cinnamon, water, and lemon juice to the saucepan.
Stir the ingredients with a wooden spoon until well combined.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan.
Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the stewed apples rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve the warm stewed apples over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic and comforting dessert.
- Pancakes or Waffles: Top your breakfast pancakes or waffles with stewed apples to add a sweet and fruity twist.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer stewed apples with yogurt and granola for a delicious and healthy parfait.
- Oatmeal: Stir stewed apples into a bowl of oatmeal for a cozy and flavorful morning meal.
- Pork Chops: Pair stewed apples with grilled or roasted pork chops for a savory-sweet contrast.
Storage
To store stewed apples, let them cool completely.
Then, transfer to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to five days.
Freeze for up to three months for longer freshness.
Freezing
To freeze stewed apples, let them cool completely.
Then, transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags.
Label with the date, remove excess air, and freeze for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat stewed apples, place them in a saucepan over low heat.
Stir occasionally until warmed through.
Alternatively, microwave on medium power in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Stewed apples are a delightful and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on their own or as a topping for other dishes.
The recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a last-minute treat.
By selecting the right type of apples and adjusting the sugar to your taste, you can customize the flavor to suit your preferences.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider experimenting with spices like nutmeg or cloves.
With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, stewed apples offer a warm, comforting, and satisfying dessert option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?
You can certainly use different apple varieties for this recipe. Opt for firm, tart options like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Adjust sugar based on sweetness. Experiment with adding nutmeg or cloves for extra flavor complexity.
How Can I Make This Recipe Sugar-Free?
Substitute granulated sugar with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or a sugar-free sweetener like stevia. Make sure you adjust sweetness to taste. Monitor cooking time closely to prevent over-softening, focusing on achieving desired apple tenderness.
What Are Some Alternative Spices I Can Use Instead of Cinnamon?
You can substitute cinnamon with nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom for a different flavor profile. Measure carefully, as these spices are potent. Use them sparingly, beginning with 1/4 teaspoon, and adjust to taste during cooking.
Can I Make Stewed Apples in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make stewed apples in a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally until apples are tender. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
How Long Can Stewed Apples Be Stored in the Refrigerator?
You can store stewed apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Make certain the apples are fully cooled before sealing. For best flavor and texture, consume within the first three days.
Stewed Apples
Equipment
- 1 large saucepan
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 peeler
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 4 large apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Peel, core, and slice the apples on a cutting board.
- Place the sliced apples in a large saucepan.
- Add sugar, cinnamon, water, and lemon juice to the saucepan.
- Stir the ingredients with a wooden spoon until well combined.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the stewed apples rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
