Onions & Applesauce – Lovely Pork Side Dish!

The scent of apples baking with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg always transports me back to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen. I can almost see her now, standing at the well-worn counter, carefully peeling apples with a paring knife, her hands moving with practiced ease. While she was known for her classic apple pie, it was this simple, savory applesauce with onions that truly captured my heart – a surprisingly delightful combination that she always served alongside her Sunday pork roasts, creating a flavor profile that was both comforting and uniquely memorable.

Recipe Overview:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
• Total Time: 45-55 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yields: 2-3 cups
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients:

• 6 medium size apples, I used MacIntosh
• 1 small onion, very thinly sliced
• 1 -2 tablespoons maple syrup
• ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
• Nutmeg (just a sprinkle)

Equipment Needed:

• Oven
• Oven-proof dish (casserole dish or baking pan)
• Peeler
• Knife
• Cutting board

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. While your oven is heating, peel, core, and slice your apples. Aim for slices that are about ¼-inch thick.
3. Finely slice your onion. The thinner you slice the onion, the better it will meld with the apples during baking.
4. Add the sliced apples to your oven proof dish. Choose a dish that’s appropriately sized so that the apples aren’t too crowded. A 9×13 inch baking dish or a similarly sized casserole dish should work well.
5. Add the sliced onions to the dish with the apples.
6. Drizzle the maple syrup evenly over the apples and onion mixture. Start with one tablespoon and add more if you prefer a sweeter applesauce.
7. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg. Be generous with the cinnamon, but use a light hand with the nutmeg as it can be quite potent.
8. Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring that the apples and onions are well-coated with the maple syrup and spices.
9. Cover the dish tightly. You can use a lid if your dish has one, or you can use aluminum foil, crimping the edges tightly to seal in the steam.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 – 40 minutes. The exact baking time will depend on the variety of apples you use and how soft you prefer your applesauce.
11. The apples and onions will be very soft when cooked through. Test for doneness by piercing the apples with a fork; they should be easily pierced and offer little resistance. If they are still firm, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, checking periodically.
12. Remove from the oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving.
13. Serve warm with pork chops or pork roast.

Expert Tips & Tricks:

• Apple Variety is Key: MacIntosh apples, as mentioned, are a great choice because they break down nicely during baking. However, other good options include Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji. Avoid using apples that are too tart, as they may not balance well with the onion.
• Onion Selection: Yellow or white onions work best in this recipe. Red onions can also be used, but they will impart a slightly different flavor and color to the applesauce.
• Maple Syrup Alternatives: If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute with brown sugar or honey. Adjust the amount to your desired sweetness.
• Spice it Up: For a bit more warmth, add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves along with the cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Prevent Sticking: If you’re concerned about the apples and onions sticking to the bottom of the dish, lightly grease the dish with butter or cooking spray before adding the ingredients.
• Uncover for Browning: For the last 10 minutes of baking, you can remove the cover to allow the apples to brown slightly on top, adding a richer flavor. Be careful not to burn them.
• Make it Ahead: This applesauce can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before serving. The flavors often meld together even better when made ahead!

Serving & Storage Suggestions:

This onion and applesauce is best served warm alongside pork dishes, such as roasted pork loin, grilled pork chops, or even pulled pork sandwiches. It can also be served as a side dish with other meats like chicken or turkey.

Leftover applesauce should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave.

It is not recommended to leave this applesauce at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to the potential for bacterial growth. While freezing is possible, it can alter the texture of the applesauce, making it a bit mushy upon thawing. If freezing is necessary, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information:

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	180 kcal	9%
Total Fat	0.5g	1%
Saturated Fat	0.1g	0%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	45g	15%
Dietary Fiber	7g	28%
Sugars	35g	–
Protein	1g	2%

Variations & Substitutions:

• Spicier Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the apples and onion mixture for a touch of heat.
• Herbed Applesauce: Stir in a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more savory flavor.
• Cranberry Applesauce: Add ½ cup of fresh or frozen cranberries to the dish for a tart and festive twist.
• Pear & Onion Variation: Substitute half of the apples with pears for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Vegan Option: Ensure that the maple syrup you use is vegan-friendly.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I use a food processor to slice the apples and onions?
A: While a food processor can save time, slicing the apples and onions by hand allows for more control over the thickness, which is important for the texture of the final dish.

Q: My applesauce turned out too watery. What can I do?
A: If your applesauce is too watery, you can remove the cover during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to allow some of the excess moisture to evaporate.

Q: Can I use different types of apples?
A: Absolutely! Experiment with different apple varieties to find your favorite flavor combination. Just be sure to choose apples that hold their shape well during baking.

Q: Is it necessary to cover the dish while baking?
A: Covering the dish helps to trap steam, which cooks the apples and onions more evenly and prevents them from drying out. If you prefer a slightly caramelized top, you can remove the cover during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Q: Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
A: Yes, you can add other fruits like pears or cranberries to complement the apples and onions. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts:

This Onions & Applesauce recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. The unexpected pairing of sweet apples and savory onions creates a flavor symphony that will delight your taste buds and elevate your pork dishes to new heights. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback. I’m confident it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen, just as it is in mine. Happy cooking!