Apples are a versatile fruit that can be used in both sweet and savory applications. When selecting apples for savory dishes, there are certain varieties that tend to work best due to their tart and crisp texture.
What are the characteristics of apples that make them good for savory dishes?
For savory dishes, apples that are tart, firm, and maintain their shape during cooking tend to work best. Here are some of the ideal characteristics to look for in apples for savory recipes:
- Tart flavor – Apples with good acidity help balance out rich or fatty ingredients in savory dishes. Tart apple varieties include Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn.
- Firm texture – Apples that are crisp and firm tend to hold up better during cooking. Mealy or soft apples can turn mushy when cooked.
- Holds shape – Apples that maintain their shape when cooked are ideal for many savory applications like stuffing, glazing, baking, etc. Varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, and Honeycrisp hold their shape well.
In addition to flavor and texture, the cell structure of certain apple varieties makes them more suitable for retaining their shape during cooking. Denser apples with a fine cell structure tend to stay firmer when exposed to heat.
What are some of the most popular apple varieties for savory dishes?
Here are some of the top apple varieties that tend to work well in savory cooking applications:
Granny Smith
Granny Smith is one of the most popular apples for savory dishes. These bright green apples have a pleasing tart flavor and crisp texture. Granny Smiths hold their shape beautifully during cooking and baking. They work well in dishes like:
- Apple stuffing
- Pork chops with apple glaze
- Apple, onion, and cheese tarts
- Green apple salad
- Cider braised chicken
Honeycrisp
Honeycrisp apples have a delicious sweet-tart flavor balanced by a crisp, juicy texture. Their cell structure allows Honeycrisp apples to retain their shape when cooked. Use them for:
- Apple sausage stuffing
- Broiled fish with apple slices
- Turkey Waldorf salad
- Roast duck with spiced apple glaze
- Apple, blue cheese and walnut tarts
Braeburn
Braeburn is a variety that is tart with a touch of sweetness. It has a dense texture that holds up well in the oven or pan. Braeburns work nicely for:
- Sweet and savory chicken salad with apples
- Sausage stuffed Braeburns
- Roasted acorn squash with Braeburns
- Fall panzanella salad with apples
- Apple, pear, and blue cheese pizza
Pink Lady
Pink Lady apples, also known as Cripps Pink, have a unique sweet-tart flavor and firm crisp texture. They maintain their round shape nicely when baked. Use Pink Ladies for:
- Pork chops and apple compote
- Apple onion jam
- Chicken thighs with apple cider glaze
- Beet, apple, and goat cheese salad
- Prosciutto, fig, and apple tarts
Jazz
Jazz apples have an excellent balance of sweetness and tartness. They have a nice dense texture for maintaining their shape in cooking. Jazz apples are a good choice for:
- Apple, pear, and parsnip soup
- Turkey or chicken Waldorf salad
- Pork tenderloin with apple compote
- Steel cut oats with apples and cheddar
- Fall panzanella salad
How do you select apples for savory dishes?
Keep the following tips in mind when selecting apples to use in savory recipes:
- Consider the recipe – If the apples will be baked, grilled, sautéed, or used in a soup or stew, pick varieties that hold their shape well like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp.
- Aim for tartness – In most cases, choose apples with predominantly tart flavor rather than sweet since they pair better with savory ingredients.
- Texture is key – Apples should be crisp and firm. Avoid mealy or mushy apples.
- Sample first – Taste and texture can vary between seasons and regions. Try an apple before using to ensure suitability.
- Use firm ripe apples – Select apples that yield slightly when pressed but aren’t soft.
- Consider complementary flavors – Sweet-tart apples like Jazz or Pink Lady provide nice balance in rich dishes.
What are some preparation tips for cooking with apples?
Proper preparation of apples helps maximize their flavor and texture in cooked dishes. Here are some useful apple cooking tips:
- Leave skins on for added flavor, nutrition, and texture. Peel only if specified.
- Remove core and seeds, as they can be tough when cooked.
- Cut uniform sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Toss cut apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Sauté apples in butter, oil or sauce for enhanced flavor.
- Cook apples over medium heat to retain shape and texture.
- Layer apples with other ingredients like breadcrumbs or nuts when baking.
- Add apples at the end of soup or stew cooking cycle for crisp pieces.
What are the best recipes to highlight apples’ savory qualities?
Here are some delicious recipes that showcase apples’ versatility as a savory ingredient:
Apple and Onion Jam
Caramelized slow-cooked apples and onions make a sweet and savory jam perfect for gratins, cheese plates, or pancakes.
Curried Chicken Salad with Apples
Diced tart apples lend moisture and flavor to curried chicken or turkey salad.
Sausage & Apple Stuffing
Savory pork sausage is balanced by the sweetness of apples, onions, celery, and sage in this classic stuffing.
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
Apples add light sweetness and texture to this velvety blended butternut squash soup.
Pan Seared Pork Chops with Apples
Crisp pork chops are topped with apple slices sautéed in the flavorful pan drippings.
What are good apple substitutions for savory recipes?
If you don’t have the right apples for a savory recipe, these fruits can work nicely as substitutions:
- Pears – Similar sweet-tart flavor and texture. Works well baked or sautéed.
- Quince – Denser with more floral notes. Use for stews and savory tarts.
- Jicama – Crunchy texture. Good raw in slaws or sautéed.
- Fennel – Imparts light licorice flavor when baked or grilled.
- Potatoes – Replace apples in a one-to-one ratio if oven roasting.
- Celeriac – Cooks up tender with savory parsnip-like taste.
Conclusion
When it comes to apples for savory dishes, choose varieties that are dense, crisp, and tart. Favorites like Granny Smith, Braeburn, and Honeycrisp hold their shape and provide pleasing texture. Sample apples before using to ensure ideal flavor and texture. With proper preparation like coring and slicing uniformly, apples can shine in savory recipes from glazed meats to salads and stuffings. Their versatility allows apples to balance richness and add moisture to all kinds of savory fall and winter dishes.