Chutney is a traditional Indian condiment that has a special place in Indian cuisine. It has a long tradition, dating back to 500 BC. The word itself comes from the Sanskrit catni, meaning ‘to lick.’ It reflects the fact that chutneys are finger-licking delicious and also that they are traditionally eaten almost like a dessert, at the end of the meal, by hand.
Chutneys are sweet and sour, usually made of fruit or vegetables, vinegar, sugar, spices, and herbs. The method is very simple. It usually starts with sauteing the spices, ginger, garlic, and diced fruits, sugar, and vinegar.
It is slowly simmered for an hour or so until the texture becomes a sticky and delicious mixture. Chutneys keep for a while (up to 2 months in the fridge) just like jams. With traditional canning techniques, they will keep for up to a year.
Chutneys are delicious, super easy to make, and also perfect for giving! Read on to see the various ways they can be used and get inspired by our TOP 10 recipes.
1. Mango Chutney
Recipe via www.daringgourmet.com
This delicious traditional Indian sweet and spicy mango chutney can be used in various ways. Just as a spread on a cracker, as a dip, or use it as a marinade like in the Mango Chutney Chicken Recipe. Preparing mango chutney is easy and quick. You’ll have to saute ginger, garlic and red chilies in oil, then add the spices – cumin, coriander, turmeric, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom. Then comes the fresh mango chopped into cubes with the sugar and vinegar and slowly simmer it until it gets the perfect texture. A special and unique gift when put into pretty mason jars.
2. Fig Chutney
Recipe via notenoughcinnamon.com
Fig chutney is going to bring your sandwiches to the next level! To prepare it, use good quality brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. You can either use fresh or frozen figs, add some raisins, apples, cloves, and ginger, and you will have the best relish ever to eat with meats.
3. Tomato Chutney
Recipe via versatilekitchen.blogspot.com
You can use this tomato chutney basically with anything you would add ketchup to. It is particularly nice with rice dishes and grilled meats. More like a tomato jam but with a touch of sourness, tomato chutney can be either prepared with whole tomatoes or canned crushed tomatoes to save some time. Besides, you will need vinegar, brown sugar, red chilli powder, and golden raisins. You can prepare it even in the microwave. See the recipe to find out more.
4. Caramelised Red Onion Chutney
Recipe via sliceoffme.wordpress.com
You don’t know what you’re missing until you tried caramelised red onion chutney. It might don’t sound like something utterly delicious, but the tangy taste and the versatility of this chutney will definitely win you over. It is just so good with grilled meats, especially sausages! Try it with cheese and crackers, toasted sandwiches, and you will soon end up with an empty jar.
5. Pineapple Chutney
Recipe via www.ecurry.com
Prepared with fresh pineapple or canned ones, a little ginger, lemon juice, raisins, and spices, the sweet and spicy pineapple chutney complements every grilled meat very well. It is also perfect when you crave something sweet. Spread it on a small piece of toasted bread, or add a slice of your favorite cheese.
6. Red Pepper Chutney
Recipe via thewimpyvegetarian.com
Red pepper chutney is a must-try! It is more like a special jam made of sweet red peppers and tomatoes, onions and cayenne pepper, and garlic that adds a spicy twist to the taste. Prepare it for the next BBQ party or serve it on the cheeseboard, and this will be the main topic for the night!
7. Apple and Apricot Chutney
Recipe via www.bakingmad.com
Don’t worry if it’s not the season for apricots or you can’t get them in the shops. You will need dried apricots, apples, onions, cardamom pods, sugar, and vinegar to prepare apricot chutney. Try it with pork and ham or as an appetizer served with a beautiful cheese and a basket of artisan crackers or crisps.
8. Plum Chutney
Plum chutney is amazing as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, egg rolls, wonton, or any other oriental dish. It is sweet and slightly spicy, perfect also with duck or other poultry. Not to mention the strong blue cheeses or a pork or game pie. You will need plums, apples, raisins, onions, spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and allspice for this incredibly versatile and special chutney.
9. Spiced Rhubarb Chutney
via thelunacafe.com
Rhubarb chutney is made with rhubarb stalks, balsamic vinegar, raisins, and many spices – vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, zest of orange, anise seeds. It is like a tangy rhubarb sauce or jam. Rhubarb chutney makes a perfect treat on toast or an English muffin for breakfast. Have it on a cracker with some spicy cheese and good wine!
10. Mint Coriander Chutney
Recipe via www.vegrecipesofindia.com
This mint coriander chutney is different from the other chutneys above. It is more like a spicy dip prepared in a blender with only four fresh ingredients – mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chillies, and ginger. It is a tasty and spicy spread for sandwiches, meat dishes, or a nice dip with pakoras. It keeps good for up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
