Grated Apple
Soft, gently spiced grated apple cooked in a touch of ghee until tender and fragrant. This simple, homestyle Indian dessert comes together in minutes and feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect on its own or spooned over yogurt.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Grate the apples.
Wash the apples. Core them but leave the skin on for extra fiber and a touch of color. Grate the apples using the large holes of a box grater.
TIPUse sweet apples like Fuji or Gala. Grating with skin is traditional, but peel if you prefer a smoother texture. - saute · ~1 min
Sauté the grated apple in ghee.
Heat ghee in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the crushed cardamom seeds and cinnamon powder. Sauté for 10 seconds until fragrant, then add the grated apple.
- simmer · ~10 min
Cook the apple until soft and dry.
Stir the grated apple well. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes. The apples will release moisture and then slowly dry out, turning soft and jammy. Add sugar and the tiny pinch of salt; mix well. Cook for another minute until the sugar dissolves completely.
TIPDon't rush the cooking. Let the moisture evaporate naturally for a concentrated apple flavor. - garnish
Finish with slivered almonds and serve warm.
Turn off the heat. Spoon the warm grated apple into serving bowls. Scatter slivered almonds on top and serve immediately.
TIPIt tastes divine with a spoonful of cold yogurt on the side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Choose sweet, firm apples like Fuji or Gala for natural sweetness and good texture.
- 2Grilling with the skin on adds color, fiber, and a rustic texture to the dish.
- 3Crush cardamom seeds just before using to release their maximum aroma.
- 4Cook until the apple mixture is nearly dry and jammy for concentrated flavor.
- 5Adjust sugar quantity based on your apple's sweetness and your taste preference.
- 6Serve warm for the best comforting experience; cold yogurt is a perfect pairing.
Adapt it for your goals.
Jain (plant-based)
Replace ghee with coconut oil or a neutral plant-based oil. This keeps the recipe fully plant-based and suitable for Jain diets that avoid root vegetables and animal products.
Low SugarLow Sugar
Omit the added sugar entirely or use a natural sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. This variation is ideal for those reducing refined sugar intake while still enjoying the dessert's warm spice profile.
Nut FreeNut-Free
Skip the slivered almonds or substitute with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch. Essential for those with nut allergies.
Spiced UpSpiced Up
Add a pinch of nutmeg, clove powder, or a small piece of star anise with the cardamom. Creates a deeper, more complex winter-spice flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Dietary Fiber
Keeping the apple skin on provides additional fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Rich in Antioxidants
Apples with skin and spices like cinnamon and cardamom are packed with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
Good Source of Healthy Fats
Ghee provides healthy fats that aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from the apples and spices.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, sweeter varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp work best. Avoid tart apples like Granny Smith unless you increase the sugar.
