Cranberry Chutney with Figs and Jalapeño
Cranberry Chutney with Figs and Jalapeño is a vibrant and flavorful condiment that beautifully balances the tartness of fresh cranberries with the natural sweetness of dried figs and a gentle spicy kick from jalapeño peppers. Perfect for holiday meals, cheese boards, or as a spread, this chutney adds depth and excitement to a variety of dishes with its bold fusion of flavors.
- Author: James
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Fruits and Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup dried figs, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, diced (seeds removed for milder spice)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Sweeteners and Acids
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
Spices and Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Other
- 1 tablespoon oil (for sautéing)
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water. Chop the dried figs into small pieces. Finely dice the jalapeño pepper after removing the seeds if you prefer less heat. Chop the yellow onion and mince the garlic and fresh ginger to have all ingredients ready for cooking.
- Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Ginger: Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, to build a savory base for the chutney.
- Add Fruits and Spices: Stir in the fresh cranberries, chopped figs, and diced jalapeño. Add the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
- Simmer Until Thickened: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will burst, figs will soften, and the chutney will thicken to a jam-like consistency.
- Cool and Store: Remove the chutney from heat and allow it to cool completely. Transfer to sterilized jars or airtight containers, refrigerate, and let the flavors deepen for at least a day before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best texture and tartness as they burst nicely when cooked.
- Adjust sweetness and heat by tasting as you cook; modify the amount of sugar and jalapeño according to preference.
- Do not rush the simmering process; slow cooking helps flavors to meld and thickens the chutney perfectly.
- Store chutney in clean, airtight jars to keep it fresh and flavorful for weeks.
- Experiment with vinegars like balsamic or red wine vinegar for interesting flavor variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cranberry chutney, fig chutney, jalapeño chutney, holiday condiment, spicy chutney, sweet and spicy chutney, vegan chutney