Herbed Applesauce
Sep 17, 2014, Updated Jun 03, 2022
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This sweet herbed applesauce is packed full of fresh fall apples, thyme and rosemary. It pairs perfectly with savory dishes and is great for Thanksgiving.
I’m obsessed with apples right now. When I go into the store if I see fresh local apples I cannot help but buy a giant handful. The other day my husband asked me if I planned on actually using the apples instead of just buying them and filling up my fruit bowl.
Yeah, I’m that girl. I buy stuff that looks beautiful in the store and then get home with zero ideas on how to use it. Just like last week when I bought 3 pounds of concord grapes with zero idea on what to make with them. *Spoiler Alert* I mushed them just a little and poured vodka over them. Hello infused vodka!
So I decided to take some of my apples and make applesauce. I know applesauce isn’t anything original but I decided to jazz it up a bit by adding rosemary and thyme instead of cinnamon. It’s a nice savory twist to the classic overly cinnamon flavored apple puree.
I ended up eating this applesauce right out of the skillet (mmmm…warm applesauce) but I think it would be awesome if paired with pork chops.
Herbed Applesauce
This sweet herbed applesauce is packed full of fresh fall apples, thyme and rosemary. It pairs perfectly with savory dishes and is great for Thanksgiving.
Yield: about 2 cups
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Ingredients:
2 pounds apples, peeled, cored and chopped
1/3 cup apple cider (more as needed)
2-4 tablespoons dark brown sugar
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 (4 inch) piece fresh rosemary
Directions:
In a large saucepan set over medium heat add apples, cider, 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, thyme and rosemary.
Cook until the apples soften and all of their juice is released, about 35 minutes. As your cooking down your apples if the pan gets dry simply add more apple cider. Remove the rosemary and thyme.
If you want a chunkier applesauce simply smash them in the pan using a potato masher. If you want a smoother consistency remove the hot apples to a food processor or blender (I used my Vitamix)
If you pureed your apples add them back to the saucepan and simmer gently until you reach your desired consistency. Taste for sweetness and add more brown sugar if needed.
Eat plain or serve with savory dishes such as pork chops.
This applesauce looks absolutely perfect! And your pictures are gorgeous!
I just love this! Can’t wait to try it and luckily I always have rosemary ready for such things!
I love the idea of adding herbs to homemade applesauce. Just yesterday I thought to myself that it had been so long since I had applesauce, as I decided to crack open one of those single-serve cups I religiously buy for my kids, definite disappointment. It’s time to put those great apples to use and make this recipe. : )
We make applesauce in the crockpot every year, but I’ve never thought of adding some fresh herbs. What a fantastic idea!
Your pictures are STUNNING!!!!!!! I must learn how to take pictures like this! Also, homemade applesauce sounds lovely! Probably a lot more healthier than buying my kids those apple sauce pouches 🙂
Apples and pork are made for each other! I’ve never thought to put savory herbs in applesauce, but it totally makes sense! Can’t wait to try it out!
I love the addition of the thyme and rosemary!! I would have never thought to put them in applesauce. Delish!
I used to make a lot of applesauce, when the kids were babies. I am dying to try your savory version! Sounds so good! Pinned!
I’ve never thought of adding herbs to applesauce! Such a great idea!
This is such a wild idea. I can’t believe I never thought of it. What a perfect idea to accompany meat in a meal. Kudo’s for this simple tasty idea