Instant Pot® Applesauce

Ingredients

• 1 lemon
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 (1/4 inch thick) slice fresh ginger
• 1 star anise pod
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 piece cheesecloth
• 3 pounds apples – peeled, cored, and quartered
• 0.5 cup water
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, or more to taste

Steps

1. With a vegetable peeler, take 2 thick strips of peel from the lemon, avoiding the bitter pith. Tie the peel, cinnamon stick, ginger, star anise, and cloves inside the cheesecloth so they can be retrieved easily after cooking.
2. Put the apples in a multi-functional pressure cooker, such as Instant Pot®. Add the cheesecloth bundle, water, and salt, then close and lock the lid. Select high pressure following the manufacturer's instructions and set the timer for 5 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
3. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for a natural pressure release of 15 to 20 minutes. Do not release pressure manually, as hot applesauce may splutter through the vent. Lift out the cheesecloth bundle with a slotted spoon and discard it.
4. Stir the brown sugar into the applesauce until it dissolves. Taste and adjust the sweetness if necessary.