Hare Krishna Apple butter is a delicious and versatile spread that adds a sweet and spiced flavor to a variety of dishes. This homemade version is simple to make and free from onions and garlic, making it ideal for those following a sattvic diet and suitable for offering to Krishna.
Hare Krishna Apple Butter is a sweet and spiced spread. Prepared with love and devotion, this apple butter is a beloved staple among devotees and enhances any meal.
Serving Suggestions
Hare Krishna Apple Butter can be enjoyed in various delightful ways:
- As a Spread: Use as a spread on toast, bread, or crackers.
- In Baking: Incorporate into cakes, muffins, and cookies for added flavor.
- With Breakfast: Serve with pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal for a delicious breakfast.
- As a Filling: Use as a filling for pastries and desserts.
These serving suggestions not only enhance the taste of meals but also foster a sense of community and togetherness when shared with fellow devotees.
Importance of Slow Cooking
Slow cooking the apples allows the flavors to develop and intensify, resulting in a rich and flavorful apple butter. The addition of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and masala blends adds warmth and depth to the spread.
Cost-Effective and Fresh
Making apple butter at home is not only cost-effective but also ensures that the ingredients are fresh and free from preservatives. Store-bought apple butter can be expensive and may contain additives, whereas this homemade version is pure and wholesome.
A Favorite Among Devotees
This apple butter recipe is cherished by many Hare Krishna devotees for its delightful taste and versatility. It closely mimics the taste of traditional apple butter but is made with ingredients that are commonly found in Hare Krishna kitchens.
Recipe Yield
This recipe makes approximately 4 cups of apple butter. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and flavorful. The apple butter can be refrigerated for up to a month.
PrintApple Butter Recipe
Hare Krishna Apple Butter is a sweet and spiced spread, inspired by the principles of bhakti yoga. This rich apple butter combines simple, wholesome ingredients to create a versatile addition to your meals. In the tradition of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, cooking and offering food to Krishna is an act of love and devotion, known as bhakti. Each dish is prepared with care, mindfulness, and a pure heart, making it not just a meal but a spiritual offering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-24 hours
- Total Time: 15 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4+ cups 1x
- Category: Spread
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 10 medium-sized, soft, sweet apples, cored and chopped into small pieces (about 1/4″)
- 1 23 oz jar of applesauce (optional, makes more)
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, firmly packed
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon tea masala
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 vanilla bean (or substitute 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Core and chop the apples into small pieces, about 1/4″ each.
- Combine Ingredients: In a slow cooker, combine the chopped apples, applesauce (if using), brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, cloves, tea masala, garam masala, and vanilla bean.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft and the mixture has thickened.
- Blend to Smooth: Use an immersion blender to blend the apple butter to a smooth consistency.
- Cool and Store: Allow the apple butter to cool. Transfer to clean jars or containers and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences.
- Serving Tip: Serve apple butter as a spread on bread or use as a filling for pastries.
- Storage: The apple butter can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Tablespoon
- Calories: 50 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg