If you're using organic apples; keep the skins on, give them a good wash, remove the core and chop roughly into small pieces. If you're not using organic apples; either soak them in apple cider vinegar for 10 minutes and rinse (this cleans the apples thoroughly, removing most pesticides and unwanted residues). Or simply peel your apples and discard the skins.
.
Hannah's tip: I generally like to keep the skins on, firstly to reduce food waste, and secondly as they are high in pectin; a type of resistant starch which comes with an impressive array of health benefits, relating particularly to gut health, blood sugar regulation and cardiovascular (heart) health (to name but a few!).
.
Making a big batch of stewed apples once a week is a great way to increase fibre (specifically pectin) in your diet. It's also delicious and versatile. Stewed apple can be added to porridge or smoothies, used to as a natural sweetener and binder in baking, or simply enjoyed with fruit and yoghurt.
.
Then, put the roughly chopped apple and cinnamon in a pan. Add enough water to almost cover the apple and simmer on a low-medium heat for around 10 minutes, or until the apple becomes soft and fluffy and most of the water has been absorbed or evaporated.
.
Remove from the heat and mash the apple using the back of a fork. Your stewed apple is now ready to enjoy however you please! The stewed apple can be kept in a sealed container in the fridge for around four days, or kept in the freezer in a sealed container for up to three months - you'll just need to defrost them before using them.
.
Next, make the porridge. Add the oats to a pan and cover well with 1 cup of liquid (either dairy-free milk, or water, or a combination of the two, but remember the more milk you use the creamier your porridge will be!)
.
Bring it to a boil and add the salt and cinnamon. Reduce the heat and cook for 8-10 minutes (or until the oats have cooked), stirring occasionally and adding more liquid as needed to reach your desired porridge consistency. Transfer it to a bowl and serve with a couple of spoonfuls of your stewed apple, and your favourite toppings (a great way to make it a little bit different each day).
.