Banana Applesauce: A Surprisingly Delicious Twist

I read about this side dish on another site and was intrigued. I had never heard of this combination before, you see. When I googled for the recipe, I got two versions: the slightly more involved one detailed below, and a much simpler one, which, I confess, is the one I initially tried.

A Chef’s Journey into Unexpected Flavors

As a chef, I’m always on the lookout for exciting new flavor combinations and innovative ways to elevate simple dishes. One of my guiding principles in the kitchen is to never be afraid to experiment. This curiosity is what led me to stumble upon a rather intriguing recipe: Banana Applesauce. The name itself conjured up a blend of the familiar and the unexpected. Applesauce is a classic comfort food, but pairing it with bananas? It sounded both odd and potentially delightful. The simplified version involves mashing a banana, softening it in the microwave if needed, and combining it with a can of applesauce. You can then puree or mash the mixture to your desired consistency. However, for a truly elevated experience, the recipe below offers a richer, more complex flavor profile.

The Recipe: Banana Applesauce

This recipe transforms a humble snack into a surprisingly sophisticated side dish or even a light dessert. The combination of tart apples, sweet bananas, and warm spices creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 4 small Granny Smith apples
• 4 small ripe bananas
• 1/4 teaspoon apple-brandy extract (optional, but recommended)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (or more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
• 1 1/2 tablespoons raw sugar (or caster sugar, adjust to taste)
• 1/2 – 3/4 cup water (start with 1/2, add more if necessary)

Directions

1. Prepare the Fruit: Begin by peeling, quartering, coring, and slicing the Granny Smith apples. Chop the ripe bananas into smaller pieces. The size of the chop isn’t critical, as everything will be cooked down.
2. Combine and Simmer: In a large saucepan, combine the sliced apples and chopped bananas. Add the apple-brandy extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and raw sugar. Pour in 1/2 cup of water.
3. Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low or medium, cover the saucepan, and simmer for approximately 5 minutes, or until the apples are noticeably pulpy.
4. Mash and Blend: Remove the lid and continue to simmer. Using a whisk or sturdy spoon, begin to mash the apples and bananas together. Reduce heat to low or medium and whisk/stir until pretty well mashed. The goal is to break down the fruit and incorporate all the flavors. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little more water (1/4 cup at a time) to achieve your desired consistency.
5. Final Touches: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Continue whisking and mashing until the applesauce reaches your preferred smoothness. Some people prefer a chunkier texture, while others prefer a completely smooth puree. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more cinnamon, nutmeg, or sugar to suit your personal taste.
6. Serve: Serve warm or chilled. This Banana Applesauce is delicious on its own or as an accompaniment to grilled pork, chicken, or even pancakes.

Quick Facts

• Ready In: 15 minutes
• Ingredients: 7
• Serves: 2

Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 399.7
• Calories from Fat: 21
• Total Fat: 2.4g (3% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 1.2g (5% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 0mg (0% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 7.8mg (0% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 101.6g (33% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 15.2g (60% Daily Value)
• Sugars: 66.2g (264% Daily Value)
• Protein: 3.3g (6% Daily Value)

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Banana Applesauce

• Apple Choice: While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor.
• Banana Ripeness: Use ripe but not overly ripe bananas. Overripe bananas will make the applesauce too sweet and may result in a mushy texture.
• Extract Enhancement: The apple-brandy extract adds a subtle depth of flavor, but you can substitute it with vanilla extract or simply omit it if you don’t have any on hand.
• Spice Variations: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your spices. A pinch of ground cloves or allspice can add a warm and inviting aroma.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet applesauce, start with a smaller amount of sugar and add more as needed.
• Texture Control: For a completely smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a regular blender after cooking. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
• Storage: Store leftover Banana Applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Banana Applesauce can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Acid Addition: The bananas tend to make the applesauce sweet. Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of apple cider vinegar to add a touch of acidity and balance the flavors.
• Serving Suggestions: Apart from the main course accompaniment and pancake topping, serve banana applesauce over vanilla ice cream, yogurt or as a filling for baked goods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Banana Applesauce

1. Can I use other types of apples besides Granny Smith? Yes, you can. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples will add more sweetness. Adjust the sugar accordingly.
2. What if I don’t have apple-brandy extract? Vanilla extract is a good substitute, or you can simply omit it.
3. Can I use brown sugar instead of raw sugar? Yes, brown sugar will add a more molasses-like flavor.
4. How can I make this recipe vegan? This recipe is already vegan!
5. Can I use a different type of milk if I want a creamier sauce? It is not recommended that you add milk to this sauce.
6. How long does the Banana Applesauce last in the refrigerator? It will last for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
7. Can I freeze Banana Applesauce? Yes, it freezes well. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
8. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the apples are very soft. Mash well before serving.
9. Can I add other fruits to this recipe? Yes, berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries can be added for a little tang.
10. Is it possible to use canned applesauce in place of fresh apples? While you could, the flavors will not be as fresh or vibrant.
11. Why is my applesauce too runny? It may have too much water. Simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the excess moisture to evaporate.
12. Can I double or triple this recipe? Yes, simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.
13. How do I prevent the apples from browning before cooking? Toss them with a little lemon juice.
14. Can I use a food processor instead of mashing? You can use a food processor for a smoother texture, but be careful not to over-process, or it may become too liquid. Using a food processor allows you to make sure the bananas do not clump.
15. What makes this Banana Applesauce unique? The combination of tart apples, sweet bananas, and warm spices creates a delightful twist on a classic comfort food, offering a unique and flavorful experience. The apple brandy extract can be ommitted but enhances the banana flavour.