Creating apple sauce from scratch brings a certain joy, especially when it involves a recipe inspired by Delia Smith, a chef I’ve admired for her straightforward and heartwarming approach to cooking. In my own kitchen, adapting her methods to my personal taste and sharing these experiences feels like passing on a piece of culinary love. This particular apple sauce recipe is a delightful mix of tangy and sweet, perfectly complementing roast meats or enriching breakfast dishes.
How To Make Delia Smith Apple Sauce Recipe Overview
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook, yielding approximately 2 cups of apple sauce, depending on the size of your apples. It’s a simple, no-fuss addition to your meal that can be made ahead of time, refrigerated, and served either cold or at room temperature, enhancing its flavors.
Ingredients
- Bramley Apples (6, peeled, cored, and chopped): Chosen for their tartness and texture, these apples are ideal for creating a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Butter (60g): Adds a creamy richness, enhancing the apple’s natural sweetness and contributing to the sauce’s velvety texture.
- Demerara Sugar (90g): Its caramel-like sweetness complements the tartness of the apples, adding depth to the sauce’s flavor profile.
- Water (A splash): Helps to prevent the apples from sticking to the pan and facilitates even cooking.
- Lemon Juice (From 1 lemon): Brightens the sauce, adding a light, refreshing tang that balances the sweetness.
- Cinnamon (3 pinches): Introduces a warm, spicy note, making the sauce more complex and aromatic.
Instructions
- Start by preparing the apples. Peel, core, and chop them into chunks. This will help them cook evenly and make a smoother sauce.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the chopped apples along with the Demerara sugar and a splash of water. The water helps to prevent the apples from sticking to the pan before their juices are released.
- Stir the mixture gently to coat the apples in butter and sugar. Then, cover the saucepan and let the apples simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes, or until they are completely soft.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. If you prefer a chunky texture, you can leave the sauce as is. For a smoother apple sauce, use a potato masher or a blender to puree the apples to your desired consistency.
- Stir in the lemon juice and cinnamon. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lemon juice if you prefer a tangier sauce.
- Serve the apple sauce warm, or let it cool down and refrigerate until needed. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutritional Value (per serving, based on 6 servings)
Calories: Approximately 150 kcal
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 25g
Protein: 0.5g
Vitamin C: 15% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin A: 2% of DV
Calcium: 1% of DV
Iron: 1% of DV
Also Read: Delia Smith Inspired Blackberry and Apple Jam
Recipe Tips for Perfect Apple Sauce Every Time
Choose the Right Apples: Different apples bring different flavors and textures. For a balanced taste, mix tart and sweet apples.
Adjust the Sweetness: Taste your apples first. If they’re naturally sweet, you might want to reduce the added sugar.
Keep an Eye on the Texture: Some like their apple sauce chunky, while others prefer it smooth. Adjust the cooking time and blending to your preference.
Add Flavor Gradually: When adding lemon juice, cinnamon, or other spices, start with a little, then taste and adjust. It’s easier to add more than to fix an overly spiced sauce.
Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot: This helps prevent the apples from sticking and burning. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Experiment with Spices: Don’t be afraid to try out different spices like nutmeg or vanilla. They can add an exciting twist to your apple sauce.
Cool Before Storing: Let the apple sauce cool completely before you put it in containers. This helps prevent condensation, which can affect the shelf life.
Freeze for Longevity: If you’ve made a large batch, freezing is a great option. Use freezer-safe containers and leave some space for expansion.
Following these tips can help you customize the apple sauce to your liking and ensure it turns out delicious every time. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
FAQs
Can I add other spices to this apple sauce recipe?
Absolutely! While cinnamon is the classic choice, you can experiment with other spices to customize the flavor. Nutmeg, allspice, and clove are great additions that complement the apples well. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. Adding vanilla extract can also introduce a lovely warmth and aroma. Feel free to mix and match spices to create a blend that’s uniquely yours. This is a great way to make the apple sauce fit your personal palate or seasonal preferences.
How can I store the apple sauce, and how long will it last?
To store the apple sauce, put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to a week. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it. When frozen, it can last for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to use it. Remember to label the container with the date, so you know how long it’s been stored. This way, you can enjoy your apple sauce for longer.
Can I make this recipe sugar-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe sugar-free. The apples already have natural sugars that make the sauce sweet. If you want, you can leave out the added sugar entirely. For extra sweetness without sugar, consider adding a sugar substitute that fits your diet. Another option is to choose sweeter apple varieties like Fuji or Gala. This way, you still get a delicious apple sauce without needing any added sugar. It’s all about adjusting the recipe to match your taste and health needs.
Is it possible to can this apple sauce for longer shelf life?
Yes, you can can this apple sauce for a longer shelf life. First, make sure your apple sauce is hot when you put it into sterilized jars. Leave a bit of space at the top. Then, seal the jars tightly. You’ll need to process them in a water bath to ensure they’re safe for storage. This method can help your apple sauce last for up to a year in your pantry. Always check seals before using and any signs of spoilage.
Can this apple sauce be used as a base for other recipes?
Yes, this apple sauce can be used as a base for other recipes. It’s great in baking, adding moisture and flavor to cakes and muffins. You can also use it as a topping for pancakes or yogurt for extra sweetness. Some people even mix it into oatmeal for a fruity taste. It’s versatile, so feel free to get creative. Using apple sauce can reduce the need for oil or butter in recipes, making them healthier. Try it out and see how it goes!
Conclusion
Making your own apple sauce is a simple pleasure that not only adds a homemade touch to your meals but also allows you to control the ingredients and their quality. Inspired by Delia Smith’s approach to cooking, this recipe is about bringing warmth and flavor to the table, one spoonful at a time. Whether you’re pairing it with a Sunday roast or spreading it on your morning toast, this apple sauce is a testament to the beauty of homemade comfort.
Delia Smith Apple Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- Bramley Apples 6, peeled, cored, and chopped: Chosen for their tartness and texture, these apples are ideal for creating a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Butter 60g: Adds a creamy richness, enhancing the apple’s natural sweetness and contributing to the sauce’s velvety texture.
- Demerara Sugar 90g: Its caramel-like sweetness complements the tartness of the apples, adding depth to the sauce’s flavor profile.
- Water A splash: Helps to prevent the apples from sticking to the pan and facilitates even cooking.
- Lemon Juice From 1 lemon: Brightens the sauce, adding a light, refreshing tang that balances the sweetness.
- Cinnamon 3 pinches: Introduces a warm, spicy note, making the sauce more complex and aromatic.
Instructions
- Start by preparing the apples. Peel, core, and chop them into chunks. This will help them cook evenly and make a smoother sauce.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the chopped apples along with the Demerara sugar and a splash of water. The water helps to prevent the apples from sticking to the pan before their juices are released.
- Stir the mixture gently to coat the apples in butter and sugar. Then, cover the saucepan and let the apples simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes, or until they are completely soft.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. If you prefer a chunky texture, you can leave the sauce as is. For a smoother apple sauce, use a potato masher or a blender to puree the apples to your desired consistency.
- Stir in the lemon juice and cinnamon. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lemon juice if you prefer a tangier sauce.
- Serve the apple sauce warm, or let it cool down and refrigerate until needed. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
