Have you gone apple-picking recently and feel like you’re now drowning in crates of lovely, luscious apples? Then maybe try integrating them into your cooking. If no apple dish comes to mind, then we have some great suggestions for you!
The one time I went apple-picking, I ended up having so many apples, more than I could just have as a snack every now and then. I had two crates on my balcony and I started to feel terribly guilty, because I felt like I was wasting them, and I cannot stand the idea of food waste. And I had healthy food at my fingertips. Nutritious fruit, rich in fiber, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin K, manganese, copper, and vitamins A, E, B1, B2, and B6.
I persisted in my guilt until I realized something that was just right under my nose: I can use apples for cooking, too. And as soon as I started researching, my guilt and my apple stash started to get lighter, apple dish by apple dish.
The options you have are pretty much endless, from almost zero prep to things a bit more complex, if you’re into that (I know I am, I love mastering super complex recipes). So let’s take a culinary tour among these apple dishes and see how you can integrate more apples in your cooking!
5 apple dish ideas to try as soon as possible
1. Use them instead of bread/ crackers
Have you ever realized that apple slices are excellent for spreading things on? If not, then maybe it’s time to consider it. Instead of eating your peanut butter on toast or other carb or gluten-filled items, why not switch things up a bit? You can also do some chocolate spread, jam or even jelly.
The apple slices have that very pleasant crunchiness to them that makes them ideal for substituting chips, too. Their shape is perfect for dipping in all kinds of dipping sauces. Especially those yogurt-based ones. Try your favorites and let us know how it went.
2. Make applesauce
Applesauce is a wonderful ingredient to have on hand and you don’t have to get the store-bought kind, because it’s not that hard to make and it will definitely be healthier if you know what to put in it. You can use it to substitute butter or oil in your baking.
And also, because it’s high in an ingredient called pectin, you can totally use it as a remedy for an upset stomach in kids. It’s actually part of something called a BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) that helps with that very problem. If you want to troubleshoot your applesauce, then check out these common mistakes.
3. Make an apple pie
Maybe you have been discounting this option because you’re a bit intimidated? Makes sense, if you’re a kitchen beginner, even if you’re not. Making a wholesome apple pie is not as complicated as you might think. First, you need how to make the crust. And we have you covered on that one. Then, all you have to do is take care of the apple filling, which is also something that is right at your fingertips, right?
Here is a recipe that’s perfect for beginners, one we urge you to try. Bonus: it has plenty of walnuts, which are also great for your health!
4. Roasted apples with other veggies
Looking to make a think-outside-the-box side dish? How about roasting some apples and other veggies that you favor for an amazing side dish? Or even the main dish if you’re a vegetarian. Just chop up the apples and pair them with some cauliflower florets and red onion, or Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes. If you’re not a vegetarian, add some sausage in there, trust us! Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle some olive oil over them and then pop them in the oven. Don’t forget to season! The dish will turn out amazing, and it’s just so simple to make!
5. Salads
When it comes to apple dish ideas, salads are quite a no-brainer. I mean, the texture of the apples works so well with other ingredients that you just can’t go wrong with it! I have ignored that possibility so many times because of that weird ‘fruit go with fruit’ and ‘veggies go with veggies’ unwritten rule. But no more!
Try mixing them with some blue cheese, some kale or arugula, or even baby spinach. Add some more crunch to it thanks to some walnuts. And if you want, I would definitely throw some fried bacon in there, and things will be lit!
