Sautéed Apples with Spices

Sautéed Apples with Spices

There’s nothing like raw fruits in the summertime, because they’re so refreshing and cooling. However, as the seasons change and we transition into the cozy embrace of fall, our dietary needs shift as well. During the fall months, our bodies often crave more warmth and nourishment, which leads us to seek out cooked foods that provide comfort and sustenance. One excellent example of this is cooked apples, which, unlike their raw counterparts, offer a different set of benefits. Cooking apples transforms them into a deliciously warm dish that is not only easier on the digestive system but also enhances their natural sweetness and flavor. One way to enjoy cooked apples is through a simple yet flavorful recipe for Sautéed Apples with Spices. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also brings out the warm, aromatic qualities of the spices used, making it an ideal dish for the autumn season.

Sautéed Apples with Spices Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon ghee (see Note below)

• 1 tablespoon + 1/2 cup water

• 4 medium sweet apples such as Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala (peeled and sliced to 1/4" - 1/2" thick)

• 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder (you can use cornstarch, but you'll need 2 teaspoons)

• 1 tablespoon real maple syrup (more or less to your taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom

• 1/4 teaspoon cloves

• Optional: add other spices such as star anise

  
  

Note: Ghee is clarified butter; and clarification is a process that reduces the cholesterol milk-solids in butter. Ghee is used in Ayurveda medicine to help build "ojas" or life essence. You should be able to find it in your grocery store in the aisle with other fats, such as coconut oil.

Sliced apples on a cutting board with spices

Directions:

• Place the ghee and a tablespoon of water into a sauté pan over medium heat until the ghee is melted.

• Add the sliced apples and stir to coat with the ghee mixture.

• Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally for 5-6 minutes to soften the apples.

• In a small bowl, stir together the arrowroot powder and 1/2 cup of water until combined.

• Add this to the apple mixture along with the maple syrup, vanilla, and spices.

• Stir until well combined.

• Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low.

• Simmer for 4-5 minutes, until the apples are tender and the sauce is thickened.

Enjoy the sautéed apples warm, either on their own, as a topping for pancakes, or even over oatmeal for a hearty breakfast option. The comforting warmth of the cooked apples, combined with the aromatic spices, creates a dish that not only satisfies the palate but also nourishes the body during the fall months. Embrace the change of season by indulging in this delicious recipe, and savor the rich flavors that autumn has to offer.

Resources:

https://www.joyfulbelly.com/Ayurveda/articles?SEARCH=ghee

https://emilybites.com/2021/09/stovetop-cinnamon-apples.html