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Fresh Fig Chutney

This quick and easy fresh fig chutney offers the perfect sweet and savory combination of sweet fresh figs, orange zest, and spices. Perfect addition to your next cheese board, chicken sandwiches, or to flavor your favorite sweet and savory dishes.

Fresh fig chutney in a white bowl next to a large pot.
Table of contents

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

Close up of figs
  • 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

Steps 1-4 on how to make fresh fig chutney.
  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.

Tips

  • Ripe figs: Opt for fresh ripe figs for the best flavor and sweetness in your chutney.
  • Simmer slowly: Allow the chutney to simmer gently over low heat to develop its flavors and achieve the perfect consistency.
  • Sterilize jars: Ensure your jars are sterilized before filling them with the chutney to prolong their shelf life and prevent spoilage.

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

How long does fig chutney last?

When stored in sterilized jars in the refrigerator, fig chutney can last for 3-4 months.

Can I use dried figs instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can substitute dry figs for fresh ones, but adjust the cooking time and liquid as dried figs will absorb more moisture.

Is fig chutney suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets?

Yes, this fig chutney recipe is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets, making it a versatile condiment for various dietary preferences.

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Fresh fig chutney in a glass jar next to a large pot.

Fresh Fig Chutney

Caro Jensen
This quick and easy fresh fig chutney offers the perfect sweet and savory combination of fresh figs, orange zest, and spices.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Staples
Cuisine American
Servings 4 jars
Calories 326 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
  • 1 red onion finely diced
  • 1 grated apple
  • 1.2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground all-spice
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1 lb fresh figs de-stemmed, diced

Instructions
 

  • In a large saucepan heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the diced onion. Soften for 1-2 minutes while stirring a few times.
    1 tbsp olive oil, 1 red onion
  • Add the rest of the ingredients: grated apple, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, allspice, raisins, and orange zest.
    1.2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup raisins, 1 grated apple, 1 cinnamon stick, 1/2 tsp ground all-spice, 1 tsp orange zest
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
  • Add the diced figs, reduce the heat to low and let the chutney simmer gently for about 45-50 minutes, or until it thickens to a chunky texture, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
    1 lb fresh figs
  • Once the chutney has reached the desired consistency and the flavors have melded together, remove the cinnamon stick and allow the chutney to cool. Purée it lightly with an immersion blender if you prefer a smoother texture.
  • Transfer the cooled chutney into clean, sterilized jars and seal tightly.

Video

Notes

  1. Ripe figs: Opt for fresh ripe figs for the best flavor and sweetness in your chutney.
  2. Simmer slowly: Allow the chutney to simmer gently over low heat to develop its flavors and achieve the perfect consistency.
  3. Sterilize jars: Ensure your jars are sterilized before filling them with the chutney to prolong their shelf life and prevent spoilage.

Nutrition

Calories: 326kcalCarbohydrates: 73gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 19mgPotassium: 598mgFiber: 7gSugar: 51gVitamin A: 192IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 93mgIron: 1mg
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