Cinnamon-Spiced Zucchini “Applesauce” Recipe
A cozy cinnamon-spiced zucchini applesauce alternative sweetened with honey and brightened with fresh lemon. Enjoy it hot, warm, or chilled.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes, plus 8 to 12 hours resting
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 200 grams zucchini
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup, sugar, etc.; more or less to taste)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/16 teaspoon freshly-grated nutmeg
- 1/16 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Peel and chop the zucchini, then add it to a food processor. Process until it forms a chunky paste with a texture similar to applesauce. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 to 12 hours, or up to 3 days, to allow the juices to seep out.
- Transfer the zucchini, including the released liquid, to a small saucepan. Add the honey, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the zucchini is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Serve hot, warm, or cold as desired.
Notes
- Maple syrup or sugar can be substituted for the honey.
- Adjust the amount of sweetener to taste.
- The processed zucchini should rest in the refrigerator for at least 8 to 12 hours before cooking and can be prepared up to 3 days in advance.
- Serve hot, warm, or chilled, just like traditional applesauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 145 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 155 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
