Unlock Bold Flavors: Exploring Exciting and Unusual Chutney Recipes for Culinary Adventurers

Chutneys, the vibrant, often chunky condiments originating from South Asia, have found their way into culinary traditions around the globe, enhancing dishes with layers of flavor. Check out my unusual chutney recipes here! While classic chutneys made from ingredients like mango or mint are beloved staples, there’s an entire world of unusual chutneys waiting to be explored. These innovative recipes not only celebrate seasonal ingredients but also introduce unique flavor profiles that promise to surprise and delight adventurous eaters.

1. Unexpected Fruit Combos

One of the most exciting avenues for unusual chutney creation is the combination of unexpected fruits. Consider the unique Tomato and Apple Chutney, which captures the brief overlap of summer’s ripe tomatoes and autumn’s crisp apples. The result is a gently spiced chutney that is fruity enough to complement sharp cheeses or roasted meats.

Ingredients:

• 1kg ripe tomatoes
• 500g eating apples
• 500g onions, finely sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 small red chillies, finely chopped
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 500g soft light brown sugar
• 290ml malt vinegar
• 1 thumb-size piece ginger, finely grated
• 3 tsp black mustard seeds
• 1 tsp mild curry powder
• 1 tsp sea salt flakes
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Blanch tomatoes in boiling water for 20-30 seconds, then transfer to cold water. Peel and roughly chop.
2. Peel, core, and chop apples.
3. Toast cumin, fennel, and coriander seeds, then grind into a powder.
4. Heat olive oil and sauté onions until caramelized.
5. Add garlic, ginger, and chillies, cook for 3 minutes.
6. Add ground spices, mustard seeds, and curry powder.
7. Stir in tomatoes, apples, and sugar. Simmer for 1 hour.
8. Add vinegar and cook for another 20 minutes until thick.
9. Transfer to sterilized jars and seal.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Portion Size: Makes 4 x 340g jars
Maturation Time: 6 weeks before opening 

Nutritional Info (per 30g serving)	Amount
Calories	16 kcal
Total Fat	0.5g
Carbohydrates	3.2g
Sugars	3.1g
Salt	0.1g

Another interesting option is Plum and Ginger Chutney. This recipe employs plums, Bramley apples, and fresh ginger, slowly simmered with spices, creating a complex yet comforting condiment perfect for fall gatherings.

Plum and Ginger Chutney

Ingredients:

• 1kg ripe plums, pitted and chopped
• 500g red onions, finely chopped
• 4 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
• 300g soft brown sugar
• 250ml apple cider vinegar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 star anise
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions:

1. Pit and chop plums into small pieces.
2. In a large heavy-bottomed pan, combine all ingredients.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
4. Simmer uncovered for 60-75 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Cook until mixture thickens and reaches a jam-like consistency.
6. Remove cinnamon sticks and star anise.
7. Let cool and transfer to sterilized jars.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 75 minutes

Total Time: 95 minutes

Portion Size: Makes 4-5 x 250ml jars

Nutritional Info (per 30g serving)	Amount
Calories	45 kcal
Total Fat	0.2g
Carbohydrates	11g
Sugars	10g
Protein	0.5g
Fiber	1g
Salt	0.1g

2. Savory Surprises

Chutneys don’t have to be sweet or fruity. Green Tomato Chutney, for instance, offers a tangy twist by using green tomatoes mixed with apples and spices that create a surprisingly savory addition to burgers or grilled vegetables.

Green Tomato Chutney

Ingredients:

• 500g green (underripe) tomatoes, chopped
• 200g shallots or onions, finely chopped
• 1 small cooking apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 200ml malt vinegar
• 1 red chili, sliced (optional)
• 50g raisins or sultanas
• 1 tsp yellow mustard seeds
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp fine salt
• 75g light brown muscovado sugar

Instructions:

1. In a large, heavy-based saucepan, combine the chopped tomatoes, shallots (or onions), apple, and 100ml of the malt vinegar. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 30 minutes until the mixture is tender.
3. Stir in the optional chili, raisins (or sultanas), mustard seeds, ground ginger, salt, sugar, and the remaining 100ml of vinegar.
4. Continue to cook for another 30-35 minutes or until the mixture has thickened to your desired consistency.
5. Ladle the hot chutney into sterilized jars while still warm. Seal and store in a cool cupboard for at least one month before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Portion Size: Makes approximately 2 jars (about 450g each)

Nutritional Info (per serving, assuming 12 servings)	Amount
Calories	50 kcal
Total Fat	0.1g
Saturated Fat	0g
Carbohydrates	11g
Sugars	11g
Fiber	0.9g
Protein	0.6g
Salt	0.2g

Meanwhile, the Rhubarb Chutney utilizes the sharpness of forced rhubarb, making it an ideal pairing for cheese boards during winter months.

Rhubarb Chutney

Ingredients:

• 1kg (2.2lb) rhubarb, chopped
• 2 onions, chopped
• 600g (3 cups) brown sugar
• 240g (1 ½ cups) sultanas
• 625ml (2 ½ cups) apple cider vinegar
• 6g (2 tsp) curry powder
• 3g (1 tsp) cayenne pepper
• 11g (1 tbsp) white mustard seed

Instructions:

1. Place all the ingredients in a large, heavy-bottomed pan and bring to the boil.
2. Lower the heat to a simmer, then continue to cook, uncovered, for 1½ hours, or until the chutney has thickened.
3. Pour into hot sterilised jars, seal and label. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Portion Size: Makes approximately 4-5 jars (about 250ml each)

Nutritional Info (per 30g serving)	Amount
Calories	50 kcal
Total Fat	0.1g
Saturated Fat	0g
Carbohydrates	12g
Sugars	11g
Fiber	0.5g
Protein	0.6g
Sodium	0.1g

3. Fusion Flavors

Fusion chutneys are gaining popularity, combining traditional ingredients with flavors from other cuisines. The Tamarind and Date Chutney is a prime example, featuring the sweet and tangy tastes of tamarind alongside dates, making it a perfect pairing for dishes requiring a sweet tang, such as various chaats.

Tamarind and Date Chutney

Ingredients:

• 12 dates (pitted)
• 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
• 1 tablespoon dark muscovado sugar
• ¾ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• Water as required

Instructions:

1. Grind the pitted dates using a blender or food processor until broken down.
2. In a non-stick saucepan, combine the ground dates, tamarind paste, and dark muscovado sugar. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves.
3. In a separate pan, dry roast the ground cumin and chili powder over medium heat to release their flavors. Add this to the date mixture along with salt and enough water to loosen the mixture.
4. Continue to cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the chutney thickens.
5. Remove from heat and pass the chutney through a fine sieve for a smooth consistency.
6. Let it cool before transferring it to a container with a lid. Store in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Portion Size: Makes approximately 1 jar (about 250g)

Nutritional Info (per serving, assuming 1 tablespoon)	Amount
Calories	20 kcal
Total Fat	0g
Saturated Fat	0g
Carbohydrates	4g
Sugars	3g
Protein	0g
Sodium	85mg

4. Herbaceous Notes

For those looking to add a fresh herbaceous kick to their meals, Green Chutney is a must-try. Made with fresh coriander, lime, and green chilies, this chutney captures the essence of freshness and can elevate sandwiches, wraps, or grilled meats with its bright flavor.

Green Chutney

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch fresh coriander (cilantro), leaves and stems
• 2-3 green chilies (adjust to taste)
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 1-2 cloves garlic (optional)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed for blending

Instructions:

1. Wash the fresh coriander thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the coriander, green chilies, chopped onion, garlic (if using), lime juice, and salt.
3. Add a small amount of water to help with blending. Start with about 2 tablespoons and add more as needed.
4. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency. Adjust seasoning and add more lime juice or salt if needed.
5. If the chutney is too thick, add a little more water until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Transfer the chutney to a serving bowl or airtight container. It can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Portion Size: Makes approximately 1 cup of chutney

Nutritional Info (per tablespoon)	Amount
Calories	5 kcal
Total Fat	0g
Saturated Fat	0g
Carbohydrates	1g
Sugars	0g
Protein	0g
Sodium	10mg (varies with added salt)

5. Unique Seasonings

Don’t shy away from using unusual seasonings in your chutney. For instance, incorporating spices like star anise or cardamom can add an unexpected twist to traditional recipes. The Sour Cherry Chutney, spiced with cardamom and perhaps a splash of brandy, pairs beautifully with game or turkey, offering a tangy contrast to richer flavors.

Sour Cherry Chutney

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sour cherries, pitted
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup red onion, minced
• ½ cup raisins
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to simmer, stirring often, until the fruit breaks down and most of the liquid has been absorbed (about 30 minutes).
3. If desired, continue cooking until the chutney reaches your preferred thickness.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before transferring to sterilized jars.
5. This chutney can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, process in a boiling water bath for preservation.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Portion Size: Makes approximately 2 cups of chutney

Nutritional Info (per 2 tbsp serving)	Amount
Calories	46 kcal
Total Fat	0g
Saturated Fat	0g
Carbohydrates	11g
Sugars	9g
Protein	0.5g
Sodium	50mg

Easy to Make and Versatile

Creating unusual chutneys doesn’t have to be complicated. Most recipes involve chopping ingredients, cooking them down with sugar and vinegar, and allowing the mixture to meld. In addition to being delicious, chutneys make fantastic gifts, showcasing your culinary creativity to friends and family.

Conclusion

From unexpected fruit combinations to fragrant herbaceous blends, unusual chutneys open up a world of culinary possibilities. They encourage experimentation and provide a platform to celebrate the flavors of the season. Whether served alongside cheese, used as a marinade, or paired with grilled meats, these interesting chutneys are sure to spark conversation and delight the palate of any culinary adventurer. So, roll up your sleeves, explore your pantry, and start experimenting with these vibrant and diverse chutney recipes today!