Pickles are my weakness and whenever I crave it, this Instant Green Apple Pickle is what I make. Takes just about 10 minutes to make this crunchy and spicy Apple Pickle.
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.
Table of contents
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
Yes, apple pickle is a vegan recipe.
Since this pickle is made with fresh apples, it will soften over a period of time. This pickle can be refrigerated and stored for 3 to 4 days. It could become a little softer after that period.
We can use an assortment of vegetables to make pickles. I have the complete list that I make in the pickles category.
More Apple Recipes
If you made this recipe and liked it, give a star rating on the recipe card or let me know in the comments below. You could also share it with me on Instagram using #MyCookingJourney and tagging me @sandhya.ramakrishnan. You could follow me and my recipes on Facebook |Instagram | Pinterest | twitter
Recipe
Instant Green Apple Pickle
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Knife
- bowl
Ingredients
- 2 Granny Smith Apple Finely chopped
- 2 Tablespoon Red chili powder adjust based on spice preference
- 1 teaspoon Roasted Fenugreek powder
- ¼ teaspoon Asafetida
- 1 ½ teaspoon Salt
- 2 Tablespoon Gingelly oil
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
Instructions
- 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, asafetida 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!
Video
Notes
- Choose firm green (Granny smith apples) without any blemishes.
- Chop the apples just before you are making 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.
Madhura says
This was very easy to make but mine tastes kind of bitter- is it the mustard seeds? Did I add too many or not let them crackle enough? They were popping aout of my pan!
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
Did you add roasted fenugreek powder? The bitterness could be from that.
Linda says
I've never thought about making pickled apples and this one sounds so refreshingly good!
Liz says
I am a huge pickle lover, as are my kids! I have never come across this recipe before! What a great idea!
Srivalli says
This is a fantastic recipe Sandhya, I am sure this will taste excellent!
Elaine says
What a great use it will be to all the apples that I've got sitting in the kitchen!
Radha says
I love these flavors! looks like I met my twin. This is my way of enjoying tart apples. Great recipe!
Allyssa says
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing apple pickle recipe! Will surely have this again! It's really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!
Gail Montero says
I would have never thought of making pickled apples but what an awesome and delicious idea!
Swathi says
Instant green apple pickle sounds yumm. I love to try this.
Claudia Lamascolo says
This is a unique recipe and something the whole family will enjoy I am eager to try this soon thanks for sharing
Natalie says
I never tried apple pickle before. Wow, amazing. I didn't know this exists. Sounds amazing. I will definitely make this and give it a try.
Cara says
Such a lovely flavor combination and love the crunchy crispy texture the apple brings!
Vaishali says
Sandhya , I am a great fan of pickles . Never tried Apple pickle though. It looks yum and is just perfect to pep up our meals.