How to Make Spiced Apple Chutney with Windfall Apples

There’s something deeply satisfying about turning windfall apples often underripe and overlooked into a jar of rich, aromatic chutney that pairs perfectly with meats, cheese, or even sandwiches.

This recipe is one of my go-tos when I have green apples that aren’t quite ready for pie or snacking. It’s warm, tangy, and subtly sweet, and the smell while it cooks? Oh, you’ll know autumn has arrived. You’ll love how flexible this recipe is too it’s great as-is, but you can easily add dried cranberries or chili for a twist. Let’s turn those humble green apples into jars of magic.

Why You’ll Love This Chutney

• It’s a zero-waste win: Use up those underripe, fallen apples in the most flavorful way possible.
• So versatile: Pair it with meats, slather it on a sandwich, or dress up your cheese board.
• Family-friendly: Mild, warming spices mean even kids enjoy this savory-sweet condiment.
• It stores beautifully: Great for make-ahead prep, gifting, or just having on hand for weeknight dinners.

Simple Ingredients

Making apple chutney doesn’t require anything fancy. These pantry staples come together beautifully in this cozy preserve.

• Windfall (unripe) apples: Their natural tartness and pectin help create the perfect texture for chutney.
• Onions: They add a savory depth that balances the sweetness of the fruit.
• Raisins: Provide chewy sweetness and body to the chutney.
• Brown sugar: For that warm, molasses-like sweetness that caramelizes the apples beautifully.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds tang and helps preserve the chutney.
• Fresh ginger: A zesty kick that wakes up all the other flavors.
• Garlic: Adds a gentle, savory background note.
• Mustard seeds: Bring subtle spice and crunch.
• Cinnamon stick & ground cloves: Classic warming spices to cozy up the whole mixture.
• Salt: To enhance every flavor in the pot.

Yields & Timing

• Servings: Makes about 3–4 small jars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

What is Needed

• 6 cups chopped windfall (unripe) apples, peeled and cored
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 ¾ cups brown sugar
• 1 ½ cups apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1 cinnamon stick
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Peel, core, and chop the unripe apples into small chunks. Finely chop the onions and mince garlic and ginger.

2. Combine Ingredients in a Pot

Dump everything into a large heavy-bottomed pot apples, onions, raisins, vinegar, sugar, and all the spices. Stir until well combined.

3. Bring to a Boil

Place your pot on the stove and bring everything to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Keep stirring to make sure nothing sticks.

4. Simmer and Stir

Reduce heat and simmer gently for about 45–60 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens and darkens.

5. Jar the Chutney

Spoon the hot chutney into sterilized jars. Seal and allow to cool before refrigerating or canning for longer storage.

Top Tips

1. Chop everything small and evenly for even cooking and better texture.
2. Use unripe apples their tartness helps balance the sugar and vinegar perfectly.
3. Sterilize jars properly to ensure safe storage if you’re canning.
4. Taste and adjust some apples are more tart than others, so tweak sugar or spices to taste.
5. Let it mature flavor deepens after a few days in the fridge.
6. Make a double batch it disappears quickly and makes fantastic gifts.

Recipe Variations

• Add chopped dried cranberries for a festive touch.
• Include a chopped red chili, ground cumin, corriander or pinch of chili flakes for some heat.
• Swap raisins for chopped apricots, dates or figs for a richer flavor.
• Use yellow onions or shallots for a sweeter base.

Recommended Equipment

• Cutting board and knife
• Large heavy-bottomed pot
• Wooden spoon
• Sterilized glass jars with lids
• Jar funnel (optional but helpful)
• Ladle

Make Ahead Tips

Spiced chutney can be made days or even weeks ahead just store it in jars in the fridge for short-term use, or water bath can it for long-term shelf storage.

How to Store and Reheat

• Refrigerator: Store cooled chutney in airtight jars for up to 1 month.
• Canned: Process jars in a water bath for 10 minutes and store in a cool, dark pantry for up to 1 year.
• Reheat: Warm slightly in a saucepan or microwave if serving warm.

What To Serve With This Recipe

• Roast chicken, pork chops, or sausages
• Cheese platters and charcuterie boards
• Grilled sandwiches or burgers
• As a side with curries or grain bowls

What You Need to Know About This Recipe

Chutney has deep roots in Indian cuisine, where sweet and savory preserves are common accompaniments to main dishes. British cooks adapted chutney for preserving autumn fruits like apples and plums. Using windfall apples taps into the traditional practice of resourcefulness wasting nothing and making use of nature’s abundance.

Check out my fall dessert recipes.

One-Pot Cooking Rocks!