Chunky Apple And Raisin Sauce For Ham
A sweet and tangy apple and raisin sauce with warm spices, perfect for enhancing ham dishes with rich, fruity flavors and a hint of cinnamon and ginger.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook apple wedges in butter in a large skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Combine apple juice, brown sugar, raisins, lemon juice, cornstarch, ground ginger, dry mustard, and ground cinnamon. Add to apples.
- Cook uncovered for 5 minutes or until the sauce is thickened. Serve with ham.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. If you don't have cooking apples, any tart variety will work, but adjust the sugar to taste. You can substitute maple syrup for the brown sugar if desired. To enhance the richness, add a splash of orange juice or zest for a fresh twist.
Serving Suggestions
This chunky apple and raisin sauce pairs beautifully with ham, making it a perfect addition to your holiday table. For a complete meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a green salad, like Pink Lady Salad, for a refreshing contrast. It can also complement grilled chicken or pork for a delightful twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chunky apple and raisin sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid overheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chunky Apple And Raisin Sauce For Ham contains roughly 83 calories, with 1g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value) and iron (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use various apples, but it's best to stick with tart varieties like Granny Smith or Braeburn to balance the sweetness from the raisins and brown sugar. Mixing different apple types can also add complexity to the flavor.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by decreasing the amount of brown sugar or adding more apple juice if you prefer a sweeter sauce. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance that suits your palate.
Is this sauce suitable for freezing?
Yes, this chunky apple and raisin sauce can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).