Fresh Fig Chutney

Why you’ll love my fresh fig chutney recipe

Early fall means fresh fig season and it is one of my highlights of the year when it comes to seasonal produce. Last weekend a neighbor’s laden fig trees inconveniently needed picking all at the same time. This homemade fig chutney recipe is the perfect great way to preserve this fortunate glut of figs.

• Sweet & savory: This fresh fig chutney recipe strikes the perfect balance between naturally sweet figs and savory notes.
• Easy recipe: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginners starting their from-scratch journey and seasoned cooks.
• Versatile condiment: An extremely versatile sauce or topping, whether you’re pairing it with cheese on a charcuterie board or serving it alongside grilled meats.
• Food gifts: Packaged in a pretty jar this delicious fig chutney makes an excellent homemade gift for friends and family.

Ingredients

• Figs: 500g fresh ripe figs, de-stemmed and diced.
• Orange: Zest from 1 orange. You can use lemon zest if needed or a little bit of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
• Spices: 1 cinnamon stick and ground all-spice.
• Sugar: Dark brown sugar adds to the rich color and flavor but you can also use cane sugar or white granulated sugar.
• Apple: You’ll need 1 tart apple, grated or finely chopped (e.g. Granny Smith or Bramley apple).
• Raisins: Seedless raisins or sultanas add extra sweetness and a soft texture to the homemade chutney.
• Vinegar: The acidity of apple cider vinegar helps preserve the fruit for longer and creates a tangy flavor. You can also use balsamic vinegar for a richer flavor and color or red wine vinegar.
• Onion: You’ll need 1 red onion, finely chopped.
• Olive oil: To soften the onion. You can use other vegetable oils if needed.

Variations

Spice it up: Add 1 tsp of mustard seed, some fresh ginger or even chili flakes for a spiced fig chutney.

Tropical twist: Incorporate diced pineapple or mango for a tropical twist on traditional fig chutney.

Go nuts: Stir in a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for added texture and richness.

Alcohol infusion: Add a splash of rum or brandy during cooking.

How to make fig chutney at home

1. Soften the red onion in olive oil. Add the grated apple.
2. Add apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, spices, and raisins. Stir.
3. Add orange zest and let the mixture simmer until the sugar has dissolved.
4. Add diced figs, stir, and let is simmer on low for 1 hour or until you’ve reached the desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent the bottom from burning.

Serving

Fig jam: Serve this sticky fig chutney instead of fig jam alongside your next cheese platter with blue cheese, goat cheese, or brie for a delightful appetizer.

Condiment: Pair it with grilled meats such as pork tenderloin, venison, lamb, or roast chicken for a burst of flavor.

Spread: It makes a perfect spread for a chicken sandwich or burger for a sweet and savory twist.

Topping: Enjoy it as a topping for grilled cheese or roasted sweet potatoes.

FAQ

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• Onion tomato jam
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• Arugula lemon pesto