Apple-Pear Chutney

Name: Apple-Pear Chutney
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 2 pcs apple (medium, firm and slightly tart, peeled, cored, and finely diced); 2 pcs pear (medium, ripe but firm, peeled, cored, and finely diced); 0.5 pcs onion (small, finely minced); 1 inch ginger (peeled and grated); 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar; 0.25 cup brown sugar (packed); 2 tbsp raisins; 2 tbsp water; 1 pinch cinnamon powder; 1 pinch ground nutmeg; 1 pinch ground cloves; 1 pinch salt; 1 pinch black pepper

RATING

4.3/5(31)

TASTE SCORE

8/10

A sweet and tangy chutney that brings together crisp apples and juicy pears with warming spices. Slowly simmered until thick and jammy, this condiment is a perfect companion for roasted meats, cheese boards, or spread on sandwiches. Ready in under an hour with simple pantry ingredients.

PREP

10m

COOK

40m

SERVES

1 TBSP

91 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 6 STEPS

prep
Prepare the fruit and aromatics.
1.Peel, core, and finely dice the apples and pears into small, even cubes.
2.Finely mince the onion and grate the ginger.
saute · ~2 min
Bloom the spices.
1.Heat the saucepan over medium heat.
2.Add the minced onion and cook dry for 1 minute until it just starts to release moisture.
3.Add the grated ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper.
4.Stir continuously for 30 seconds until fragrant.
TIPCooking the spices dry for a few seconds wakes up their oils before the liquids go in.
mix
Combine all ingredients.
1.Add the diced apples, pears, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, raisins, salt, and water to the saucepan.
2.Stir well to combine and coat all fruit with the sugar and spices.
simmer · ~40 min
Simmer the chutney until thick and jammy.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 35 to 40 minutes, until the fruit is soft and translucent and most of the liquid has evaporated, leaving a thick, jam-like consistency.
TIPIf the chutney starts to look dry before the fruit is fully tender, add a splash of water. It will thicken more as it cools.
rest · ~30 min
Cool the chutney.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the chutney cool completely in the pan. It will continue to thicken as it sits.
TIPThe flavor deepens significantly after a day in the refrigerator — make it ahead if you can.
serve
Serve or store.
Transfer the cooled chutney to a clean jar. Serve at room temperature alongside roasted meats, cheeses, or spread on sandwiches. Refrigerate any leftovers.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Cut the apples and pears into uniform ¼-inch dice for even cooking and a consistent texture.
2
Use a mix of sweet apples (like Fuji) and tart apples (like Granny Smith) for a more complex flavor.
3
Don't rush the simmer — cooking on low heat allows the fruit to soften fully and the flavors to meld.
4
Stir occasionally and scrape the bottom of the pan to prevent the sugars from scorching.
5
Let the chutney cool completely before jarring; it thickens significantly as it cools.
6
Make this chutney a day ahead — the flavors deepen and marry overnight in the fridge.
7
Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks; it also freezes well for 3 months.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

spiced apple chutney

Spiced apple chutney

Replace the pear with an extra apple and add ½ teaspoon of mustard seeds and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a savory, mildly spicy twist that pairs beautifully with pork.

ginger pear chutney

Ginger-pear chutney

Double the fresh ginger and add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped crystallized ginger in the last 5 minutes for a zesty, candied kick that brightens cheese boards.

low sugar chutney

Low-sugar chutney

Reduce brown sugar to 2 tablespoons and add ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce; the natural sweetness of ripe fruit still produces a lovely jammy texture with less added sugar.

herbed chutney

Herbed chutney

Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary during the last 10 minutes of simmering for an aromatic, savory note ideal with roasted chicken.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

✓

Rich in Fiber

Apples and pears provide both soluble and insoluble fiber, supporting healthy digestion and helping you feel full longer.

✓

Low in Fat

This chutney is naturally fat-free, making it a guilt-free way to add flavor to meals without added oils or butter.

✓

Source of Vitamin C

Apples and pears contribute vitamin C, which supports immune health and helps your body absorb iron from other foods.

✓

Antioxidant Spices

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently asked questions

Yes, use 4 total pieces of either fruit. Apples hold their shape slightly better; pears create a silkier texture — adjust cooking time slightly based on ripeness.