🍏 Apple Chutney Recipe – Sweet, Tangy & Spiced Indian Style

Apple Chutney is a flavorful condiment that combines the natural sweetness of apples with tangy vinegar, warming spices, and a hint of heat from chilies. This Indian-style apple chutney recipe is perfect for pairing with cheese boards, grilled meats, sandwiches, parathas, or curries.

Whether you’re making fresh apple chutney, spiced apple chutney, or sweet apple chutney for storing, this recipe is quick, delicious, and perfect for all occasions. The slow-cooked apples release their natural pectin, giving the chutney a silky, jam-like texture that’s simply irresistible.

🛒 Ingredients for Apple Chutney

Servings: 8–10
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes

🍏 Main Ingredients

• Apples – 4 medium (peeled, cored, and chopped)

• Onion – 1 medium (finely chopped, optional for savory flavor)

• Ginger – 1-inch piece (grated)

• Green chilies – 1–2 (slit or chopped, adjust spice level)

• Vinegar – 2 tbsp (or lemon juice for apple chutney without vinegar)

• Jaggery or brown sugar – ½ cup (adjust to taste)

• Salt – 1 tsp (or to taste)

🌿 Whole Spices

• Cinnamon stick – 1 small piece

• Cloves – 3–4

• Black peppercorns – 6–8

• Mustard seeds – ½ tsp

• Cumin seeds – ½ tsp

💧 Other Ingredients

• Water – ½ cup

• Oil – 1 tbsp

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Chutney

Step 1 – Prep the Apples

1. Wash, peel, and core the apples.

2. Chop them into small cubes for quicker cooking.

Step 2 – Temper the Spices

1. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan.

2. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

3. Add cumin seeds, cinnamon, cloves, and peppercorns.

4. Sauté for 20–30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3 – Sauté the Aromatics

1. Add chopped onions (if using) and sauté until soft.

2. Add grated ginger and green chilies — stir for a minute.

Step 4 – Cook the Apples

1. Add chopped apples and mix well.

2. Add salt and jaggery/brown sugar.

3. Pour in vinegar (or lemon juice for a no-vinegar version).

4. Add water and mix everything together.

Step 5 – Simmer the Chutney

1. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes.

2. Stir occasionally until apples are soft and the mixture thickens.

3. Mash slightly with a spoon for a chunky texture or blend for a smooth chutney.

Step 6 – Cool & Store

1. Let the chutney cool completely.

2. Store in a clean glass jar — it keeps for 2–3 weeks in the fridge.

🍽️ Best Occasions to Serve Apple Chutney

• Festive Meals – Serve with biryani, pulao, or festive thalis.

• Cheese Boards – Sweet apple chutney for cheese and crackers is a party hit.

• Holiday Dinners – A great side for pork roasts, turkey, or grilled chicken.

• Everyday Meals – Pair with paratha, chapati, or dal-rice.

• Picnics & Lunchboxes – Works well as a spread in sandwiches or wraps.

🍛 Serving Suggestions

• Apple Chutney for Cheese – Serve chilled with brie, cheddar, or gouda.

• Apple Chutney for Curry – Add a spoon alongside spicy curries to balance heat.

• Apple Chutney for Pork – A classic sweet-tart pairing for roasted pork.

• Apple Chutney with Bread – Spread on toast or in sandwiches for a fruity twist.

• Apple Chutney with Rice – Enjoy with plain rice or lemon rice for a tangy kick.

🧮 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per 2 tbsp serving)

💡 Tip: Apples are rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants, making this a heart-friendly condiment.

🌟 Tips for the Best Apple Chutney

• Use slightly tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tangy flavor.

• Adjust spice levels by adding more or fewer green chilies.

• For a richer flavor, use jaggery instead of refined sugar.

• Always cool before storing to increase shelf life.

• If making apple chutney for cheese platters, cook it thicker for better spreading consistency.

❓ FAQs – Apple Chutney Recipe

Q. Can I make apple chutney without vinegar?
Yes! Just use lemon juice instead for a fresh tangy flavor.

Q. How long can I store homemade apple chutney?
It lasts up to 2–3 weeks refrigerated in an airtight jar.

Q. Can I freeze apple chutney?
Yes, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Q. Is apple chutney vegan?
Yes, as long as you use plant-based sugar or jaggery.

📝 Interesting Facts

This Homemade Apple Chutney Recipe is a versatile, healthy, and flavorful condiment that pairs beautifully with both Indian and Western dishes. Packed with sweet, tangy, and spicy notes, it’s perfect for curries, bread, cheese boards, and roasts.

Whether you make it Indian style, spicy, sweet, with jaggery, without vinegar, or for cheese platters, this recipe will become your go-to chutney for any occasion.