The other day, I had about 5-6 green apples in the fridge which would go bad in a couple of days. I didn’t feel like eating the apples, and when S asked me to make something with them, I decided to make this fusion chutney, thokku and chunda. I was cooking on the fly, but knew that if not good, at least the recipe won’t be bad. But it astounded me. I really enjoyed the result and this combination of chutney and pickle is so versatile. It can be used as a pickle, or as a spread, or even as a dip. Go ahead, try it and let me know how it tasted.

Apple Pickle or Chutney

Ingredients:

• 5-6 green apples
• 5-6 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• ¼ tsp asafoetida
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ¼ tsp cinnamon powder
• 3 tsp (or more) red chilli powder
• 3 tsp (or more) powdered jaggery
• 2 tsp (or more) salt

Method:

• Peel the apples and grate them. Once you have grated them, put the grated apples in a colander and salt them and let them sit for about 30 minutes.
• The apples will start to ooze water. Once the water has drained out, remove it from the colander and keep it aside.
• In a pan, heat the oil and when the oil is smoking hot, add in the mustard seeds.
• Once the mustard seeds pop, add in the asafoetida and turmeric powder and stir.
• Add in the grated apples and saute for about 2-3 minutes.
• Once the apples soften, add in the red chilli powder, mix well and cook covered until the apples are cooked.
• You may need to add more oil at this stage and continue cooking until the oil starts to ooze out.
• At this point, add in the powdered jaggery or brown sugar and check for seasoning. Add what is missing and if need be, add some more oil.
• Once the jaggery has combined with the apples and the apples start to look brownish-red and glossy, add in the cinnamon powder and combine well.
• Mix for about a minute and switch off the gas. Cover and let the chutney cool. Transfer to a container and enjoy your meals.

Note: You can use any oil, but I used a combination of canola olive and gingelly oils. You can also make this with a combination of red and green apples. In that case, reduce the jaggery powder otherwise it will become too sweet.