Apple horseradish sauce (in German: Apfelkren), is a delicious, gluten-free sauce that pairs well with a Christmassy Tafelspitz (prime boiled beef), grilled meats in the summer, roast beef, Easter ham, or a delicious air fryer turkey breast!
Why will you love apple horseradish?
Homemade apple horseradish sauce is the perfect combination of spiciness and sweetness. Both flavors are well-balanced and do not overpower the taste of the meat. Your guests will be impressed when you serve them this so easy-to-prepare delicacy!
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🥘 Ingredients
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- 12.7 oz (360 g) Apple Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2-3 tablespoon Horseradish (depends on how spicy and intense you want it)
Prepared horseradish or fresh?
There is the option to buy prepared horseradish at most grocery stores. Still, I would rather advise you against this option. Prepared horseradish is, in most cases, not very finely grated and has much less pungency than freshly grated.
If you have the opportunity, then pick fresh horseradish when buying and grate it yourself. A freshly grated horseradish root surpasses the taste of the prepared by far. Although not as long as the prepared, the unpeeled horseradish root itself keeps fresh for a few weeks in the refrigerator.
Related recipes: Tafelspitz (Austrian Prime Boiled Beef), Erdäpfelschmarrn (Austrian grated pan-fried potatoes), and Chives Sauce.
🍽 Equipment
- Small mixing bowl
- Grater
- Tablespoon
- Cutting board
🔪 Instructions
What I particularly like about this recipe is that it is straightforward and quick to prepare.
Peel off the bottom part of the horseradish root you want to grate. If you find green parts under the peel, cut them away, as they can have a bitter taste. Then, grate as much horseradish as you require.
When grating, place the root on the grating surface at a 90-degree angle. Otherwise, it may fray, and the horseradish becomes fibrous, which is undesirable.
Since the mustard oils from horseradish cause tearing of the eyes, it is best to rub with the window open or under the range hood.
Now take the store-bought or homemade applesauce, pour it into a small mixing bowl, and gradually add the freshly grated horseradish with a tablespoon. It is better to be careful here and taste in between until you achieve the desired flavor. Don't forget: you can always add more! 😀
Mix the applesauce with the apple horseradish and voilà! Done! So simple and fast!
Serve the apple horseradish either directly on the plate or in small bowls to be taken separately.
How to make Homemade Apple Sauce without Sugar
Peel and coarsely chop 5 apples (approx. 28.22 oz / 800 g). Place in a large cooking pot and add 3.38 oz / 100 ml of water and the juice of half a lemon. Cook the apples on low heat for about 20-30 minutes. After the cooking time, blend the applesauce with a hand blender.
If you wanna have apples available at home all-year-round, to make delicious Apfelkren or other scrumptious apple dishes, then check out Kristen Woods List of excellent storage apples that are well-suited to long-term storage.
🙋🏻 FAQ
What is horseradish?
What is known as horseradish is the root of the horseradish plant. It belongs to the cruciferous family, just like cabbage, broccoli, Chinese cabbage, radish, and cress.
What does horseradish taste like?
If you are unfamiliar with the taste of horseradish, it has a hot, spicy, and peppery flavor. And when paired with smooth and creamy sour cream, like in this sauce, they balance each other out perfectly.
Source: lifesambrosia.com
Is Horseradish healthy?
The mustard oils, vitamins, and minerals in horseradish have a disinfecting, cleansing, circulatory, and antibacterial effect. In addition, the vitamins of horseradish and its essential oils with the active ingredient sinigrin have an antibiotic effect and make it a recommended preventive against colds. It also strengthens the body's defenses and is having a cough-relieving impact.
How to Store Horseradish?
- Fresh, unpeeled horseradish will keep in the refrigerator for at least two weeks. It is best to wrap it in a cloth moistened with vinegar and put it in the vegetable cooler.
- You can freeze the unpeeled root as well as the grated horseradish in a sealed container. However, there will be a loss of aroma and spice.
- The root should not be dried. It loses its volatile oil and thus also the typical pungent taste.
How long will horseradish sauce keep?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it should keep for up to 3 months. If it starts to separate, just give it a quick stir.
Source: missinthekitchen.com
📖 Recipe
Austrian Horseradish Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 360 g Apple Sauce Homemade or store-bought
- 2-3 tablespoon Horseradish More, if you want it more intense
Instructions
- Peel off the bottom part of the horseradish root you want to grate. Then, grate as much horseradish as you require (2-3 tbsp).
- Take the store-bought or homemade applesauce, pour it into a small mixing bowl, and gradually add the freshly grated horseradish.
- Mix the applesauce with the apple horseradish and voilà! Done! So simple and fast!
- Serve the apple horseradish either directly on the plate or in small bowls to be taken separately.
Please note that all my recipes are developed and tested in metric grams. I recommend using digital scales for more accurate results. I provided a conversion to US customary in the recipe, but please note that I haven't tested it using this method.
Notes
How to make Homemade Apple Sauce without Sugar
Peel and coarsely chop 5 apples (approx. 28.22 oz / 800 g). Place in a large cooking pot and add 3.38 oz / 100 ml of water and the juice of half a lemon. Cook the apples on low heat for about 20-30 minutes. After the cooking time, blend the applesauce with a hand blender.Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
⛑️ Food Safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Michelle
This sauce was such a nice twist to horseradish. I've never thought of adding applesauce. Thanks for the recipe! It was delicious.
AISilva
I've never made my own horseradish before, but this sounds so good. I can't wait to try it. Thank you!
Marita Juenemann
This sounds interesting. What a great idea to make your own horseradish. I need to try this.
Giangi Townsend
Life made easy! I love horseradish and cannot wait to make this at home instead of the store-bought.
Gregory Halpen
I’m not usually a fan of horseradish but I think I will love this one because of the apple sauce. This sounds delicious
Luke Ratford
Superb recipe, we loved this with gammon 🙂
Kalin
Wow this sounds so simple! I had no idea you could buy fresh horseradish at the store. The applesauce is such a fun trick too!
Anaiah
This horseradish was so easy to make and so full of flavor! The applesauce was a great idea. Thanks for sharing!
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady
Oh wow I have to try making this. I love horseradish with my roast beef and I am so intrigued with the addition of the apple sauce!
Jeannie
Im new to horseradish but Ive been making my applesauce this is something I can try!
Leah
Wow this is sooo easy! I love horseradish sauce but didn’t know you could make it yourself. I’m sure it’s amazing with the apple sauce! Thanks for sharing!
Kristen
We enjoyed this on beef sandwiches last night! thanks!
Nora
Lovely!
Julia
This sounds like something I should try. I have horseradish growin the garden ... massive great thing. I do occasionally try it fresh but this sounds like a much better recipe than I've tried before. I suspect the sweetness of the apples with the heat of the horseradish will be really special.
Nora
Yes the pure, fresh horseradish, can already turn out very intense! 😀 The applesauce helps to "tame" him. 🙂
Natalie
What an interesting sauce recipe. I think I never tried anything like this. Interesting flavor combo. I have to make this.
Nora
Yes, please do that and tell me how you liked it! Looking forward to your feedback!
Lindsay
The sweet/spicy combo here is SO good. Fabulous recipe!
Nora
Thank you so much!
Marcellina
I love this excellent recipe! Apple sauce can sometimes be too sweet for me but the horseradish adds the spiciness needed! Perfect simple recipe!
Nora
Thank you! That's what I like so much about the combination. The horseradish takes the sweetness out of the applesauce, but still doesn't completely mask it.
Cooking with Carbs
I've never made horseradish before, and I didn't expect that apple sauce would be needed! So creative. This sounds like it would go so well with a lot of meat dishes I make. Thank you!
Nora
Thank you! Yes the sauce is really very versatile!
Akshita
I have never made my own Horseradish Sauce before! Can't wait to try it ☺️
Nora
Please tell me how you liked it!
Gina Abernathy
I like the thought of adding applesauce to the horseradish. It would take away some of the spicy bite. 🙂
Brianna
This sauce was so good! I love the balance of sweeet and spicy, the apple cuts the bite of the horseradish.
Emily Flint
I love the unique twist on horseradish sauce and it sounds perfect for a holiday roast! Pinning for later!
Zen
I havent' had much Austrian food before- must give this a go! I love making things from scratch 🙂
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/
Our stash comes from the allotment; it's free, fresh and organic. I never grate fresh horseradish - it's a job for my partner; I keep the distance and watch him cry!:)))) Apparently, the effect on the eyes is stronger than onion. But I love a good sauce with almost every dinner in winter. I'll definitely try your recipe, it sounds perfect!
Freya
This was absolutely delicious! I love horseradish sauce so much but the apple twist made it so interesting!
Bobbie
My husband loves horseradish sauce . I can’t wait to make this for him! Thanks for the recipe
Katie Youngs
Horseradish is a staple in our house. We've definitely never had it with applesauce though. I love the idea of a sweet and spicy combo!