Chutney is a traditional Indian spice that has a special place in Indian cuisine. It has a long tradition, dating back to 500 BC. Returned to. The word itself comes from Sanskrit catni, which means “licking”. This reflects the fact that chutneys are delicious and eaten by hand as a dessert at the end of the meal.
Chutneys are both sweet and sour and are usually made from fruits or vegetables, vinegar, sugar, spices and herbs. The method is very simple. It usually starts with spices, ginger, garlic, then dice, sugar and vinegar. Simmer gently for about an hour until the texture becomes a sticky and delicious mixture. Chutneys are kept like jams for a while (up to 2 months in the fridge). With traditional canning they last up to a year.
The chutneys are delicious, super easy to prepare and perfect as a gift! Read on to discover the different uses and be inspired by our top 10 recipes.
1. 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.
2. 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 even add a slice of your favorite cheese.
3. 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!
4. Apple and Apricot Chutney
Recipe via www.bakingmad.com
Don’t worry if it’s not 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.
5. 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. For this incredibly versatile and special chutney you will need plums, apples, raisins, onions, spices such as ginger, cinnamon and allspice.
6. Spiced Rhubarb Chutney
via thelunacafe.com
Rhubarb chutney is made with rhubarb stalks, balsamic vinegar, raisins and lot of 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!
7. 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.
8. Mango Chutney
Recipe via www.daringgourmet.com
This delicious traditional Indian sweet and spicy mango chutney can be used in various different ways. Just simply 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
