Delicious Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe: A Heavenly Homemade Treat

Ingredients

• 1 lemon
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 slice of fresh ginger (about 1/4 inch thick)
• 1 star anise pod
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 piece of cheesecloth
• 3 pounds of apples, peeled, cored, and quartered
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, or adjust to taste

Step 1

To infuse your applesauce with a burst of flavor, start by delicately peeling off two generous strips of lemon zest. Remember to steer clear of the bitter white pith. Bundle up these lemon peels along with a fragrant mix of cinnamon, ginger, star anise, and cloves in a square of cheesecloth for effortless removal post-cooking.

Step 2

Now, it's time to begin crafting your applesauce masterpiece. Nestle your apples into the depths of a versatile pressure cooker, like the beloved Instant Pot®. Tuck in the aromatic cheesecloth sachet, pour in water, and a pinch of salt to enhance the natural flavors. Seal the lid securely and engage the high-pressure setting as per your device's manual; the timer should be set to a brief 5 minutes. Allow a cushion of 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to reach its peak.

Step 3

Once the cooking cycle is complete, employ the natural-release technique outlined in your appliance's manual, typically taking around 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid the urge to manually release the pressure, as the hot applesauce might surprise you by sputtering through the vent. Retrieve and discard the infused cheesecloth bundle using a slotted spoon.

Step 4

To sweeten the deal, blend in brown sugar until it seamlessly dissolves into the luscious applesauce. Take a moment to savor the taste and tweak the sweetness level to your liking.