Looking for a dish that perfectly balances sweetness with a hint of savory spice? This Caramelized Apples in Spiced Sauce recipe is a unique twist on traditional sautéed apples. By combining fresh apple slices with a rich, spiced sauce, this dish can serve as a side to savory meals, a topping for desserts, or even a delicious breakfast treat when paired with pancakes or waffles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Sweet and Savory: The apples are cooked in a sauce that’s both rich and spiced, creating a flavor-packed dish.
- Versatile: Serve these caramelized apples over ice cream, pancakes, roasted meats, or even enjoy them on their own.
- Quick to Make: Ready in under 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for a last-minute side or dessert.
Ingredients:
For 4 servings, you’ll need:
- 3 large apples, cored and thinly sliced (as shown in the image)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for a savory kick)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- A pinch of salt
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples
Start by washing and slicing the apples into thin wedges, leaving the skin on for extra texture and nutrients. Set them aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Sauté the Apples
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced apples to the pan. Cook the apples for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and turn golden around the edges.
Pro Tip: If you prefer softer apples, cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness.
3. Make the Spiced Sauce
While the apples are sautéing, in a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, apple cider, soy sauce (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground ginger. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
Once the apples are tender, pour the spiced sauce mixture over the apples in the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for another 3-5 minutes. As the sauce simmers, it will begin to thicken and coat the apples beautifully.
4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
For a thicker sauce, dissolve 1 tsp cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and stir it into the skillet. Cook for an additional minute or until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
5. Serve
Remove the skillet from heat. If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the caramelized apples for an added crunch. Serve immediately.How to Serve Caramelized Apples:
- With Breakfast: Spoon the caramelized apples over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a sweet and spiced morning treat.
- As a Side Dish: These apples pair wonderfully with savory dishes like roasted pork, chicken, or even sausages.
- Over Ice Cream: Turn this dish into a dessert by serving the warm apples over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or yogurt.
- On Toast: For a quick snack, spread some almond butter on toast and top with a spoonful of these apples.
Cook’s Notes:
- Apple Varieties: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance of tart and sweet flavors. Softer apples like Gala will break down faster and create a more “melted” texture.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
- Add Some Heat: If you want to spice things up, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce for a sweet and spicy contrast.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use different fruits?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the apples with pears, peaches, or even plums. Just adjust the cooking time based on the fruit’s softness.
Q: Can I omit the soy sauce for a purely sweet dish?
A: Yes! If you prefer a sweeter dish, you can leave out the soy sauce. However, it does add a nice savory balance that complements the sweetness of the apples.
Q: What other spices can I add?
A: Feel free to experiment with spices! Allspice, cardamom, or even a pinch of curry powder can add a unique twist to this dish.
Final Thoughts
This Caramelized Apples in Spiced Sauce recipe is a perfect combination of flavors that can be adapted to any meal. Whether served as a side to a savory main dish or as a sweet topping to dessert, these apples are sure to impress. Quick to make and endlessly versatile, they’re the perfect dish for any season.
