Apple Relish Recipe Easy to Make and Deliciously Fresh

There’s something undeniably charming about a well-made apple relish. It’s a vibrant, flavorful condiment that beautifully balances sweet and tangy notes, perfect for elevating your everyday meals.

Whether you’re looking to brighten up a grilled cheese sandwich, add a burst of flavor to your roasted vegetables, or complement your holiday turkey, this apple relish recipe is your new go-to. Made with fresh apples, zesty onions, and a hint of spice, it’s a delightful way to bring a taste of autumn into your kitchen all year round.

Not only is apple relish incredibly versatile, but it’s also surprisingly simple to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or rare ingredients—just a bit of chopping, simmering, and patience to let the flavors marry beautifully.

Plus, it stores well, so you can prepare it in advance and enjoy it whenever the mood strikes. Ready to discover how to whip up this delicious apple relish?

Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple relish is a fantastic blend of sweet, tart, and savory flavors that will enhance a variety of dishes. It’s a healthier alternative to many store-bought relishes, as it uses fresh, natural ingredients and minimal sugar.

The recipe is easy to customize to your taste preferences, whether you like it spicier, sweeter, or tangier.

Perfect for meal prep, the relish keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks and also freezes beautifully. It’s a wonderful way to use crisp apples, making this recipe especially relevant during apple season but enjoyable any time of the year.

Plus, making your own relish means you control the ingredients—no preservatives or artificial flavors here!

Ingredients

• 4 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or a mix of tart and sweet apples), peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 large red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional, for natural sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Equipment

• Large saucepan or pot
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• Sharp knife for chopping
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Glass jars or airtight containers for storage

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces. Finely chop the red onion.
2. Toast the mustard seeds: In your large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cook for 1-2 minutes until they begin to pop. This releases their flavor and adds a subtle nuttiness to the relish.
3. Sauté the onions: Add the chopped onions to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become translucent.
4. Add apples and spices: Stir in the diced apples, ground cinnamon, cloves, ginger, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the apples with the spices.
5. Combine vinegar and sugar: Pour in the apple cider vinegar and add the brown sugar and raisins (if using). Stir everything together until the sugar dissolves.
6. Simmer the relish: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The apples should soften and the mixture should thicken to a chunky sauce consistency.
7. Cool and store: Once thickened, remove the relish from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer to clean glass jars or airtight containers, and refrigerate. The flavors will continue to develop over the next day or two.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped fresh chili when sautéing the onions.

If you prefer a smoother relish, pulse the cooled mixture briefly in a food processor. For an extra depth of flavor, try adding a splash of maple syrup instead of brown sugar or a tablespoon of grated fresh ginger for a brighter zing.

You can swap out the raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates depending on what you have on hand. If you like your relish tangier, increase the apple cider vinegar by a tablespoon or two.

For a savory twist, stir in a handful of chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary just before serving. This relish also pairs wonderfully with Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide and Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Apple relish is incredibly versatile and can be served alongside many dishes. It’s a fantastic complement to roasted or grilled meats such as pork, chicken, or turkey.

It also pairs well with vegetarian options like roasted vegetables or grain bowls.

Try spreading it on sandwiches or burgers for an added layer of flavor. It’s also delightful served with cheese platters or as a topping for baked brie.

For a fresh and healthy pairing, add a spoonful to your next salad; it works wonderfully with the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.

Conclusion

Making your own apple relish is a rewarding kitchen project that yields a delicious and versatile condiment. With its perfect balance of sweet, tart, and savory, this relish can enhance countless dishes, from simple sandwiches to festive dinners.

The recipe is straightforward, requires minimal ingredients, and offers plenty of room for customization based on your taste preferences.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen beginner, this apple relish recipe will quickly become a staple. Its long shelf life and delightful flavor profile make it a must-have for your refrigerator.

Don’t forget to explore more exciting recipes like the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food to continue your culinary adventure!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Apple Relish Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A tangy and sweet apple relish perfect for pairing with meats or sandwiches. Easy to prepare and packed with fresh flavors.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“4 medium apples, peeled, cored and diced”, “1 small onion, finely chopped”, “1/2 cup brown sugar”, “1/2 cup apple cider vinegar”, “1/4 cup raisins”, “1 teaspoon mustard seeds”, “1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon”, “1/4 teaspoon ground cloves”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/4 cup water”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook until mixture thickens and apples are tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and let cool.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Transfer to a jar and refrigerate before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “90 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “0.5 g”, “fatContent”: “0.1 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “24 g”}}