This bright and tangy chutney mixes the sweet taste of cranberries with the zesty kick of chipotle peppers. It’s perfect for adding a spicy twist to your holiday meals!
Making this chutney is a breeze! I love serving it with turkey or as a dip with cheese. It always gets people asking for the recipe—perfect for impressing guests!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal for chutney as they provide tartness. If unavailable, frozen cranberries work just fine—just make sure to thaw them first.
Chipotle Peppers: These add a smoky heat to the chutney. You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference. If you want something milder, try using smoked paprika instead, or for extra flavor, add some cayenne pepper.
Apple: A small tart apple adds sweetness and depth. I prefer using Granny Smith for their tang. If you want something sweeter, Fuji or Honeycrisp will work too!
Red Onion: It gives a nice crunch and a slight sweetness. Yellow onion can be used, but I recommend cooking it a bit longer to mellow the bite.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor with This Chutney?
Cooking your chutney properly really brings out the flavors. Here’s how you can do it:
- Combine the fruit and onion first for equilibrium between sweetness and acidity.
- Let the mixture simmer, but don’t rush it—this helps the cranberries burst and blend the flavors together.
- Always taste as you go! You can modify the sweetness or heat just before serving.
Keep in mind that chutney thickens as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a bit runny while it’s cooking.
Spicy Chipotle Cranberry Chutney
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chutney:
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 small apple, peeled and finely diced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup water
- Fresh rosemary sprig (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 25-30 minutes total to prepare. You’ll need about 10 minutes for setup and chopping, and then around 15-20 minutes for cooking until everything melds together perfectly. After that, just let it cool, and you’re ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, mix the cranberries, diced apple, and chopped red onion together. This is the base of your chutney!
2. Add Seasonings:
Add in the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced chipotle peppers, grated ginger, minced garlic, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, salt, and water to the saucepan. Make sure to stir everything together well so that the flavors start to blend.
3. Bring to a Boil:
Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. It should bubble nicely in the pot.
4. Simmer the Chutney:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally during this time. You’ll notice some of the cranberries softening and bursting, thickening the chutney to a jam-like consistency.
5. Taste and Adjust:
After simmering, take a taste! If you like it spicier, add more chipotle. If it needs a little more sweetness, sprinkle in some extra brown sugar. Remember, you can customize it to your liking!
6. Cool and Serve:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the chutney cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the chutney to a serving bowl. If you’d like, garnish it with a fresh sprig of rosemary for an extra touch!
7. Enjoy:
Serve this deliciously spicy chutney alongside roasted meats, cheese platters, or as a zesty condiment. Your guests (and you) will love it!
Enjoy your flavorful Spicy Chipotle Cranberry Chutney!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples in This Chutney?
Absolutely! While I recommend tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor, you can use sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Honeycrisp if you prefer a sweeter chutney. Just keep in mind that the overall sweetness may change depending on your apple choice.
How Should I Store Leftover Chutney?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two weeks. Make sure to allow it to cool completely before sealing to preserve its freshness!
Can I Freeze This Chutney?
Yes, you can freeze the chutney! Place it in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag, leaving some space for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to use it!
What Can I Serve with Spicy Chipotle Cranberry Chutney?
This chutney is incredibly versatile! It’s fantastic on roasted turkey, chicken, or pork. You can also pair it with cheese and crackers for a delicious appetizer or use it as a dip for bread. Enjoy experimenting with different pairings!