How to Steam Apples

When cooking apples, the go-to method tends to be to pop them into a pan with some water and let them gently cook. But this isn’t the only way to cook them! Here’s how to steam apples with cinnamon and mint.

What You’ll Need to Steam Apples

Below is what you’ll need if you want to steam enough apples for around 4 people. Obviously, it depends on how you plan on serving them.

• 4 Apples: Choose firm apple varieties like Bramley, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp for steaming, as they hold their shape and provide a good balance of flavour. Avoid softer, mealy apples that disintegrate easily when heated.
• 1 Cinnamon Stick: You’ll want to use a stick of cinnamon and not ground cinnamon, as most of the cinnamon will fall through the holes of your basket.
• 1 Sprig of Mint: Mint tends to be quite a punch flavour so 1 sprig of mint will be ample.

How to Steam Apples In a Basket

This is the best way to steam apples. You just need to use a steamer basket (or even a colander) to steam them gently.

1. Prepare the Apples
   Wash the apples and peel them if desired. Core and cut them into quarters or eighths, depending on how large you want the pieces to be.
2. Prep the Pot
   Fill the pot with about 5 cm (2 inches) of water. Add the cinnamon stick to the water for infusion.
3. Boil the Water
   Place the pot on the stove and bring the water to a boil.
4. Place the Apples
   Once the water is boiling, place the colander or steamer basket into the pot. Arrange the apple slices evenly in the basket and lay the sprig of mint on top.
5. Steam the Apples
   Cover the pot with the lid and steam the apples for about 10 to 15 minutes, until they are tender but not mushy.
6. Check the Apples
   Lift the lid carefully to avoid the steam and check the tenderness of the apples with a fork.
7. Serve or Store
   Remove the apples and let them cool slightly before serving. Discard the cinnamon stick and mint sprig, or you can use them as garnish for a more decorative presentation.

How to Steam Apples In the Microwave

If you haven’t got a basket, then it is actually possible to steam apples in the microwave. The good news is that this takes less time but the results are quite as good as using a steamer basket.

1. Prepare the Apples
   Wash, core, and cut the apples into quarters or eighths.
2. Arrange the Apples in the Bowl
   Place the apple pieces in the microwave-safe bowl. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the apples or place the cinnamon stick amongst them. Add the 2 tablespoons of water.
3. Cover the Bowl
   Cover with a microwave-safe plate or cling film, making sure to pierce the film if using to allow steam to escape.
4. Microwave the Apples
   Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes. Check the apples for tenderness and continue cooking in 30-second intervals if necessary.
5. Serve or Store
   Once the apples are steamed to your liking, remove them from the microwave, being cautious of the hot steam and bowl. Let them cool for a moment before serving. Remove the cinnamon stick and mint sprig before eating, or use them as garnish.

Tips for Steaming Apples

If you don’t want to end up with bland, mushy apples, then make sure you stick to these tips for steaming apples successfully:

• Infuse with Tea: For a subtle, fragrant twist, steep a bag of your favourite herbal or spiced tea (like chai or chamomile) in the steaming water. The steam will carry the tea’s aromatics, gently infusing the apples.
• Vanilla Bean Steam: Add a split vanilla bean pod to the steaming water. As the apples cook, they’ll absorb the vanilla’s warm fragrance.
• Steam in Cider: Replace the water in your pot with apple cider for steaming. It will intensify the apple flavour and add a touch of sweetness and tang.
• Caramel Finish: After steaming, quickly toss the warm apples in a pan with a dollop of caramel sauce. The heat slightly melts the caramel, creating a deliciously sticky glaze that clings to the soft, warm apple pieces.
• Ice Bath Finish: To stop the cooking process immediately and keep the apples firm, prepare an ice bath. Once the apples are steamed to your liking, transfer them to the ice bath for a few seconds to shock them, which halts the cooking process and retains their texture.