Making this instant apple pickle is as easy as chopping, adding, seasoning, and mixing. The green apple or the Granny Smith apple makes this pickle so crunchy and the heat from the pickle works great with the sour and tart flavor of the apple. I use apples as a substitute for raw mango, especially when making pickles. We all love the cut mango pickle and this instant apple pickle is a great alternative to that. I buy raw green mangoes from Indian stores and they are not always accessible to all. But the Granny Smith apples are easier to find and it works just as well. The bonus is that the mild sweetness adds an extra layer of flavor to the pickle. If you are not a fan of crunchy apple pickles and looking to make a smooth one, I got you covered! This Apple thokku / grated apple pickle is for you. If you are a pickle lover as much as I am, please check my Pickles category page for more ideas and inspiration.
Why make this recipe?
If you are a pickle lover, you have to make this apple pickle. It is delicious and also so easy to make. The crunch from the apple works really well with any kind of Indian meal. This Green apple pickle is a great alternative/substitute for the raw mango pickle. Raw mangoes are harder to find and this spicy apple pickle works great instead. It is a very quick recipe. The pickle needs just about 10 minutes to make. The best part is that this pickle is an instant one. That means we can eat this apple pickle right after we make it. There is no resting time or anything needed. This instant apple pickle is very kid-friendly. My 11-year-old eats it as if like a spicy candy. just make sure to adjust the heat to work for your family. And lastly, this is a great pickle recipe to make with leftover apples. Many times I find a lone apple in the fridge or on the countertop. Use that to make this apple pickle and serve it with lunch or dinner.
Ingredients and substitutes
Check the recipe card at the bottom of the page for exact measurements and printable detailed recipes. Apple - Granny Smith apple works the best for this pickle. If using any other apple, make sure to pick something that is crunchy, sour, and tart. Red chili powder - I use Kashmiri red chili powder. It is less spicy than the rest of the Indian red chili powder and gives a great color to the pickle. Fenugreek powder - Roasted fenugreek powder adds a lot of flavor to Instant pickles. I make a small batch of it and store it in an air-tight container to use whenever needed. How to make roasted fenugreek powder - Dry roast whole fenugreek seeds/methi until golden brown and aromatic. When it cools down to room temperature, grind it into a smooth powder. Asafetida Salt Oil - I like to use Indian sesame oil / gingelly oil to make pickles. It can be substituted with any cooking oil. Mustard seeds
Step-by-step process to make Apple Pickle
Wash the apples and wipe them.
Quarter them and remove the seeds. Now chop them into small pieces.
Place the chopped apples in a bowl.
Add the red chili powder, roasted fenugreek powder, asafoetida, and salt.
Heat a small pan with gingelly oil. When the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds.
When the seeds crackle, pour the hot oil on the spices on top of the apples.
Mix everything well to combine. Serve!
Expert Tips
Choose firm green (Granny Smith apples) without any blemishes. Chop the apples just before you make the pickle. Otherwise the apples with oxidize. Adjust the chili powder based on your heat tolerance. Kashmiri red chili powder is milder compared to regular chili powder.
Serving suggestion
This spicy green apple pickle can be served just like any other pickle. I love it the best with yogurt/curd rice. This spicy pickle also tastes great with roti or paratha. Last night I made Sweet Potato Paratha for dinner and this apple pickle worked great with it.
Frequently asked questions
More Apple Recipes
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