Five minutes of high pressure is all you need to get a smooth, fragrant applesauce - the Instant Pot® does all the work!
Ingredients
- lemon: 1 piece
- cinnamon stick: 1 piece
- (1/4 inch thick) slice fresh ginger: 1 piece
- star anise pod: 1 piece
- whole cloves: 2 piece
- piece cheesecloth: 1 piece
- apples - peeled, cored, and quartered: 3 pound
- water: 0.5 cup
- salt: 0.5 tsp
- brown sugar: 2 Tbsp (to taste)
Metric Conversion
Stages of cooking
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Use a vegetable peeler to remove 2 thick strips of lemon peel, being careful to avoid the bitter pith. Tie up lemon peel, cinnamon stick, ginger, star anise, and cloves in cheesecloth for easy retrieval after cooking.
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Place apples in a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®). Add cheesecloth bundle, water, and salt. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 5 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
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Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid releasing pressure manually as hot applesauce may splutter up through the vent. Remove the cheesecloth bundle with a slotted spoon and discard.
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Mix brown sugar into the applesauce until dissolved. Taste and adjust the level of sweetness if needed.