This recipe is part of the Gentle Meal Plan series.

Gentle Apple Cider

This recipe is a simpler version of my Apple Cider recipe.

You can use a mix of sweet and tart apples, the same apples, or whatever you prefer.

If you added too much water or your cider tastes watery, you can simmer it for 20 minutes or so to reduce it (simmer off some of the liquid to make it more concentrated). And if it's too concentrated, add some water.

To make it on the stovetop, add the apples and water to a stock pot, cover with a lid and simmer for two hours or until the apples are soft and easy to mash. Then strain the apple mixture following the steps below.

To cook them in a slow cooker, combine everything and set the cooker to go for about 6 hours, then strain the apple mixture following the steps below.

To sweeten it, add a few tablespoons of apple juice. To add some flavor, add a cinnamon stick and anise star to the apples while cooking.

Servings: cups

Calories: 118kcal

Equipment

1 Pressure cooker optional

Ingredients

10 medium apples or 8 large apples
8 cups water

Instructions

Cut the apples up into large chunks or slices. Remove the core and stem, or cut around it. You can leave the skin on.
Add the apple slices and water to an Instant Pot or slow cooker, along with 8 cups of water.
Seal the pot and cook at high pressure for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes allow the pot to depressurize on its own for at least 10 minutes, and then use the release the valve to let any additional steam escape before opening the pot.
Use a potato masher or large fork to mash up the apples to release any extra juice.
Place a fine mesh strainer (or cheese cloth) over a sauce pan and pour the contents of the Instant Pot container into the strainer to separate the cider from the solids.
Taste the cider and optionally some apple juice to bring the cider to the desired sweetness.
Store the cider in the refrigerator for a few weeks or the freezer for a few months.