Creating green apple chutney is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect chutney every time.

1. Preparation: Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Peel, core, and finely chop the green apples. Chop the onion, ginger, garlic, and green chilies.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them sizzle for a few seconds until they start to pop.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until it becomes translucent. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Spices: Stir in the ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
5. Incorporate Apples: Add the chopped green apples to the pan. Stir well to coat the apples with the spices and aromatics.
6. Season and Sweeten: Sprinkle the turmeric powder, red chili powder (if using), and salt over the apples. Add the brown sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves and coats the apples evenly.
7. Simmer with Vinegar: Pour in the vinegar and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Check Consistency: The chutney should thicken and the apples should be soft yet retain some texture. If it’s too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
9. Cool and Store: Once cooked, remove the pan from heat and let the chutney cool. Transfer it to a sterilized jar and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to two weeks.
10. Garnish: When ready to serve, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for an added burst of freshness.