Green Apple Kuchla / Grated Green Apple Pickle (Fiji Style)
Ingredients:
• 6 Green Apples (Granny Smilth)
• 3 Tsp Turmeric
• 3 Tbsp Salt
• 8 Cloves Of Grated Garlic
• 1/2 Cup Mustard Oil ( Or Any Oil Of Your Choice)
• 3 Tbsp Ready Pickle Mix
• 3 Tbsp Brown Sugar (Or Ra w Sugar)
• 1 Tsp Mustard Seeds
• 1 Sprig Of Chopped Curry Leaves
• 1/4 Tsp Asafoetida (Hing)
• 1 Large Chili Paste
Utensils:
• 2 Dishes
• Strainer / Colander
• Grater With Big Holes
Method:
1) Peel and grate the apples.
2) Take your grated apples, add salt and turmeric and mix it well.
3) Place your strainer inside the dish, tip the grated apples into the strainer, use the back of a spoon and press it down to squeeze out as much juice as possible.
4) Put a lid on and let it drain for 4 - 6 hours or overnight .
5) Take the drained apples, put it on a plate, spread it evenly and put it in the sun to dry for 2 hours giving it a mix every now and then.
6) After 2 hours, bring the plate inside and put it aside.
7) Take a non - stick frypan, put it on medium heat, add oil and heat it. When the oil gets hot, lower the heat, add mustard seeds , give it a mix and wait until it starts to pop.
8) Add garlic and chili , give it a quick mix and cook it until the garlic just starts to change colour.
9) Add asafoetida (Hing) and curry leaves, give it a mix and cook it for 10 seconds.
10) Add sugar , give it a mix and cook it for 1 minute.
11) Add grated apples, give it a mix and cook it for 5 minutes stirring it frequently to dry up any liquid remaining in the apples. This method is great in winter or during the rainy season as it is difficult to dry the apples properly.
12) Add pickle mix and mix it well to combine.
13) Turn the heat off , take it out in a dish and let it cool down completely.
14) Grated green apple kuchla or grated apple pickle is ready, put it in a sealed container in the fridge for months and serve it to family and friends.
15) Enjoy.
Tip:
• You can keep the apple kuchla or grated apple pickle on the bench top in warmer months and use it within 2 weeks . In winter you can keep it on the bench top for a longer period of time or in the fridge for months.
• Keep any unused pickle mix in the fridge for months to retain its freshness.