Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 lbs. apples, peeled and diced
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or food processor
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Mason jars for storage
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the diced apples, water, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the apples are very soft.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
5. Using a blender or food processor, puree the apple mixture until it is smooth.
6. Return the puree to the saucepan and stir in the lemon juice.
7. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring frequently, for about 45 minutes, or until it has thickened and darkened in color.
8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the lekvar cool to room temperature.
9. Transfer the lekvar to mason jars for storage.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat and low heat
Serving size:
Makes about 2 cups of lekvar
Nutritional information:
Calories: 60
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 25mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 14g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any variety of apples for this recipe.
- If you don't have ground nutmeg, you can omit it or substitute it with a pinch of ground cloves.
Variations:
- You can add a splash of vanilla extract to the lekvar for extra flavor.
- For a spicier version, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to stir the lekvar frequently while it is cooking to prevent it from burning.
- If the lekvar is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water.
- Lekvar can be used as a filling for pastries, cakes, and cookies.
Storage instructions:
Store the lekvar in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the lekvar, simply microwave it for a few seconds or heat it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the lekvar in a small dish with a spoon for spreading.
Garnishes:
You can garnish the lekvar with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few apple slices.
Pairings:
Lekvar pairs well with toast, bagels, and croissants.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the lekvar with a side of yogurt or fresh fruit.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lekvar is too thin, continue cooking it over low heat until it thickens.
- If the lekvar is too thick, add a little water to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to store the lekvar in airtight containers in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
Lekvar is a traditional Hungarian fruit butter that is typically made with plums or apricots.
Flavor profiles:
The apple-cinnamon lekvar is sweet and spicy with a hint of tartness from the lemon juice.
Serving suggestions:
Spread the lekvar on toast or use it as a filling for pastries, cakes, and cookies.
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Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Fruity, Cinnamon, Cinnamon-Y