Homemade Apple Chutney Recipe

Let’s make the best accompaniment to meat, cheese, or fish – sweet and tart apple chutney. You can make it with simple ingredients and minimal effort, so there is no reason to use store-bought chutney. If you’ve never made chutney before, you’ll be happy to know that it’s easier than you think. And it’s the perfect recipe to make when you have a glut of apples. Well, follow this perfect apple chutney recipe and make delicious additions to your dishes.

Ah, the delightful aroma of apple chutney simmering on the stove! This classic condiment brings a burst of sweet and tangy flavor to any dish, elevating it to new heights. The combination of apples, spices, and vinegar creates a harmony of taste that is both comforting and intriguing. Whether you're serving it alongside roasted meats, cheese platters, or even as a topping for yogurt, homemade apple chutney adds a touch of homemade goodness to every bite.

Vadim Rachok

Chef

What is Apple Chutney?

Rooted in Indian cuisine, apple chutney is a traditional accompaniment with a rich history. It originated as a way to preserve surplus fruit, especially apples. It was prepared by cooking them with spices, vinegar, and sugar. 

Over time, variations of apple chutney have evolved in different cultures. Each variation has its own unique blend of ingredients and flavors. While the main ingredient is still the apple, there are many different herbs and spices to choose from to create flavors ranging from sweet and mild to tangy and spicy. Common ingredients in apple chutney include wine vinegar, anise, red chili, ginger, and various spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. 

It is a versatile and flavorful seasoning that adds depth and complexity to a variety of foods and is a favorite in cuisines worldwide. Apple chutney offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that enhance both traditional and modern recipes, whether enjoyed as a topping, dip, or accompaniment.

Why You’ll Love This Chutney Recipe

• Homemade chutney can offer superior flavor and texture compared to store-bought varieties. 
• It will allow you to preserve any excess apples you have.
• Making chutney at home can be a rewarding culinary experience. It provides a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment as you create a delicious and versatile condiment from scratch. 
• This recipe is easy to follow and involves simple ingredients.

Apple Chutney Ingredients

• Apples: It is the main ingredients of the chutney. The type of apple you choose can have an effect on the flavor and texture of the chutney.
• Wine vinegar: Wine vinegar adds nuanced acidity that enhances the sweetness of the apple.
• Water: Used to simmer the chutney and to control the thickness of the dish.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of the apples and vinegar and enhances the overall sweetness of the chutney.
• Spices: Anise, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves all contribute to the rich, aromatic flavor profile of the chutney and add warmth and depth to the dish.
• Dry Red Chillies: Add a subtle heat that enhances the sweetness of the chutney without overwhelming it.
• Salt: Helps balance the overall flavor of the chutney and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

How to Make Apple Chutney at Home?

1. First, place the sugar in a saucepan on a low heat. Heat until it turns amber.
2. Then, add water and wine vinegar. Cook over low heat for 30 minutes. Due to the slow boiling process, the mixture should evaporate three times. 
3. Separately, take cold water and add vinegar (1 ounce (30 g) of vinegar per 1 liter of water) to the apples to prevent them from turning dark.
4. Peel and dice the apples and add them to the water and vinegar.
5. When the sugar is ready, strain the apples from the water and add them to the saucepan.
6. Then, add the anise, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, dry chilies, and cloves and cook over low heat until all the moisture has evaporated, and the apples are caramelized.
7. Then, add salt and place in a container to cool.
8. You can serve it with pork, chicken, or fish. 

Chef Recipe Tips:

• It is important to use green and firm apples so that they do not boil during cooking. 
• You can also add orange or lemon zest. Nutmeg also goes well with this dish.

How to Store Apple Chutney?

To store the apple chutney, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a clean, airtight glass jar or container. When freezing or refrigerating, leave some space at the top to allow for expansion. Close the container tightly and label it with the preparation date. Refrigerate for short-term storage, which can last up to several weeks, or freeze for longer-term storage, which can last up to several months. Thaw frozen chutney in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Use within a few days after thawing. By following these steps, you will help to preserve the freshness and flavor of your homemade apple chutney.

What Do You Use Apple Chutney For?

You can use this fruit-based condiment in a variety of ways because it is both sweet and savory:

• Serve it with a roasted chicken or a sausage.
• Add it to a cheese board, it’s especially good with white cheddar or Brie cheese!
• Use it as a topping on a cup of yogurt.
• Try adding it to a turkey sandwich or a grilled cheese sandwich.

Which Apple Is Best To Use In Chutney?

You can use any kind of apple that is sweet and tart. use green and firm apples so that they do not boil during the cooking process. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples are good choices.

Choose an apple that is firm and holds up well to cooking if you want your chutney to have a chunky texture. Conversely, if you want a smooth chutney sauce, use an apple that makes good applesauce.