This Spicy Chipotle Cranberry Chutney adds a zesty kick to your meals! Made with sweet cranberries and smoky chipotle peppers, it’s perfect for sandwiches or your holiday feast.
I love how it brings a fun twist to traditional dishes. You can slather it on turkey or serve it with cheese—it’s a hit every time! Just be ready for a flavor explosion! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries both work well! If you can’t find cranberries, consider using pomegranate seeds for a different flavor, but the texture will vary.
Chipotle Peppers: These add a smoky heat. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can use mild smoked paprika instead for a hint of smoke without the heat. Alternatively, skip them for a sweet chutney.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives a deep sweetness. You can swap it with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile, but start with less since these are sweeter.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds acidity. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or lemon juice can work too, though the taste will change slightly.
How Do I Get the Right Consistency for My Chutney?
A common struggle is achieving the perfect thickness for chutney. After simmering for 15-20 minutes, the cranberries will burst, releasing their juices. If your chutney is too runny, cook it longer over low heat, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
- Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- If it doesn’t seem to be thickening, you can mash a few cranberries with a fork to help it along.
Remember, chutney will thicken more as it cools, so don’t take it off the heat too soon!
Spicy Chipotle Cranberry Chutney
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional garnish: fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cooking. Once you combine everything and let it simmer, you’ll have a delicious chutney ready in no time! Plus, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, so you can make it ahead of time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Cranberries:
Begin by rinsing the cranberries under cold water. Drain them well and set aside. If you’re using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw—just rinse and drain.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, and chipotle peppers. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onions start to soften and become translucent. Stir often to prevent burning!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Next, add the cranberries, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt to the pan. Mix everything well so that the cranberries are nicely coated with the other ingredients.
4. Cook the Chutney:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally and enjoy the delightful aromas filling your kitchen! Cook until the cranberries burst and the chutney thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Cool Down:
After cooking, remove the pan from heat and let the chutney cool slightly. As it cools, it will thicken a bit more.
6. Serve or Store:
Transfer your delicious chutney to a serving bowl or jar. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro or parsley on top for extra color and flavor. Serve it chilled or at room temperature!
7. Enjoy!
This Spicy Chipotle Cranberry Chutney is perfect alongside grilled meats, on sandwiches, or paired with cheese. Enjoy the amazing smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors!
Can I Use Dried Cranberries Instead of Fresh or Frozen?
While fresh or frozen cranberries are best for this recipe, you can use dried cranberries in a pinch. Keep in mind that they are sweeter, so reduce the brown sugar by about half and add some extra acidity with a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
To adjust the spice level, simply vary the amount of chipotle peppers. For a milder chutney, use only one pepper or remove the seeds before chopping. Alternatively, add a bit more chipotle for a spicier kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to let the chutney cool completely before sealing it to prevent condensation. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months!
Can I Use Other Sweeteners?
Absolutely! You can substitute brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. Just be aware that these alternatives may change the sweetness and texture slightly, so taste as you go!
