This simple unsweetened applesauce is packed with veggies and gets its vibrant color from beets and carrots! It’s a tasty and healthy treat for babies, toddlers, and adults, with no added sugar. How “sweet” is that?
EQUIPMENT
- Cutting board and knife
- Soup pot or slow cooker
- Immersion or regular blender
INGREDIENTS
- 6 to 8 apples (Pink Lady or Honeycrisp work well)
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 medium beets, peeled and chopped
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup water
INSTRUCTIONS
- Core and roughly chop the apples into quarters. Keep the skin on for added fiber, or peel them if preferred. Wash, peel, and slice the carrots into 2- to 3-inch pieces. Wash, peel, and chop the beets into rough quarters. For a sweeter taste, use 8 apples and 1 fewer beet.
- In a large pot, combine the apples, carrots, beets, cinnamon, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the fruit and vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from heat and blend using an immersion blender until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender and blend each batch for about 1 minute.
- Enjoy your applesauce warm or cold, adding more cinnamon if desired!
NOTES
- For a sweeter applesauce, try Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp apples.
- Slow Cooker Option: Combine all ingredients and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Blend as directed to finish.
- Blending Tip: When using a regular blender, blend hot applesauce carefully. Fill the blender halfway, and cover with a dish towel to allow steam to escape, preventing splattering.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days, or freeze for 2-3 months.
Nutrition (per 1 cup serving)
- Calories: 116 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 39mg
- Potassium: 349mg
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 22g
- Vitamin A: 3504 IU
- Vitamin C: 11mg
- Calcium: 25mg
- Iron: 1mg
