Strawberry Chia Applesauce
A simple, bright applesauce loaded with flavor and packed with antioxidants!
Strawberry Chia Applesauce
I really did have good intentions!
Going to the grocery store I fell prey to the lure of a good deal and bought more than my (and my husband's) stomach could eat! Fresh strawberry season is unfortunately short, but during that time we can often find strawberries for $2 or less a 16 ounce container. This week I bought several containers of strawberries to take advantage of them while they are at their peak and cheaper than usual. Into my cart also went a huge bag of golden apples, bananas, blueberries and grapes. While I love fruit, this was more than we could eat before some started to get too ripe!
In thinking of something to make with the apples and strawberries in particular, I thought - why not combine them and make applesauce?! As opposed to the Slow Cooker Apple Butter with Chia, this recipe cooks on the stovetop in only 30 minutes, keeping the the flavors light and bright.
Chia seeds help keep the mixture thick while adding a healthy antioxidant punch. Any type of apple would work well - Gala, Rome, Washington, Golden, Yellow, Honeycrisp - so many yummy varieties of apples! Just like with the Slow Cooker Apple Butter with Chia, keep the apple peel on for extra fiber, Vitamin C and A. The peel will just blend right up after cooking. My apples were a little tart and the strawberries weren't super sweet so I added just a tablespoon of sugar for sweetness. A splash of lemon juice helps keep the color bright and vibrant.
Strawberry Chia Applesauce
This applesauce is great on its own as a snack or as a side with a main meal. I've also been experimenting using it in a muffin recipe (coming soon!).
Strawberry Chia Applesauce
Ingredients:
- 6-8 apples, washed (leave the peel on), any variety
- 1 16 ounce container fresh strawberries, washed and tops removed
- 2 Tbsp Chia seeds
- Juice of one lemon
- ¾ cup water
- 1-3 Tbsp sugar, optional (depending on sweetness of apples and strawberries)
Core apples and chop into large pieces. Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan or Dutch Oven.
Bring just to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 30 minutes or until apples have softened. (Check after 15 minutes to see if additional water needed to keep from sticking).
Remove from heat and let cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Use an immersion blender or place in a blender and blend until smooth.
Strawberry Chia Applesauce