Are you looking for easy recipes that deliver big on flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen? Then you've come to the right place! Slow cookers are a lifesaver for busy weeknights, and apples, with their versatility, are the perfect ingredient to showcase their magic. From sweet desserts to savory side dishes, this post unveils the delicious world of apples cooked low and slow. Get ready to discover some of the best recipes, perfect for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas.
Spiced Apple Cider Slow Cooker Recipe
This recipe is a comforting classic, perfect for chilly evenings and homemade cooking. The slow cooker infuses the apples with deep, warm flavors, creating a delicious and easy-to-make cider.
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
Yields: 6-8 servings
Ingredients:
- 6 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and quartered
- 4 cups apple cider
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (or maple syrup for a healthier option)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions:
- Place the quartered apples in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, water, brown sugar (or maple syrup), cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
- Pour the mixture over the apples in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the apples are tender and the liquid has reduced slightly.
- Serve warm. Optional: Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Tips and Variations:
- For a thicker cider, remove the apples and simmer the liquid on the stovetop until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Add a splash of bourbon or rum for an adult twist.
- Use different apple varieties for varying levels of sweetness and tartness.
- Add a handful of cranberries for a festive touch during the holidays.
Savory Slow Cooker Apples with Pork Tenderloin
This recipe demonstrates the surprising versatility of apples in savory dishes. The slow cooker creates a melt-in-your-mouth pork tenderloin, perfectly complemented by sweet and savory apples. It's a delicious and healthy meal, ideal for a quick dinner idea.
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 3-4 hours on low or 1.5-2 hours on high
Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Season the pork tenderloin with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until browned.
- Place the seared pork tenderloin in the slow cooker.
- Add the sliced apples, chopped onion, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, or until the pork is cooked through and the apples are tender.
- Serve the pork tenderloin sliced, alongside the apples and cooking liquid.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving, for Spiced Apple Cider):
- Calories: 200-250
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Protein: 2-5g
- Fat: 1-5g
Enjoy these delicious and easy slow cooker apple recipes! They are perfect for busy weeknights and showcase the amazing versatility of this humble fruit. Remember to adjust seasonings to your liking and experiment with different apple varieties to find your perfect combination. Happy cooking!