This Spicy Chipotle Cranberry Chutney brings a tasty twist to your meals! It combines sweet cranberries with zesty chipotle for a fun and flavorful kick.
I love serving it with turkey or using it as a dip for crackers. It adds zing to everything, and let’s be real, it’s just yummy! 🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are best for brightness and flavor, but frozen ones work just as well! If needed, dried cranberries can be used, but they are sweeter, so reduce the sugar accordingly. I personally love the fresh ones during the fall season.
Chipotle Peppers: These add a nice smoky heat. You can adjust the number depending on your spice comfort level. If you want a milder flavor, try using smoked paprika instead for a less intense kick.
Onion: A small onion gives sweetness and depth. If you’re sensitive to onions, shallots can be a great, milder substitute. I’ve also enjoyed using red onions for a slightly different taste.
Sugars: Granulated and brown sugars balance the tartness. For a healthier option, use honey or maple syrup, adjusting the amount to your taste. Just remember it might change the chutney’s consistency a bit!
How Do I Get the Perfect Consistency for My Chutney?
A jam-like consistency is key for this chutney! Start by cooking the cranberries over medium heat, like the instructions suggest. You want them to burst and mix well with the sugars and spices.
- Keep the heat at low after simmering to avoid burning while it thickens.
- If it’s too thick, gradually add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Let it cool completely—it will thicken more as it sits!
This step ensures your chutney is spreadable and perfect with meats or cheese. Enjoy your cooking!
Spicy Chipotle Cranberry Chutney
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water (optional, if needed for consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty chutney takes about 30 minutes in total—10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking. Plus, you’ll want to let it cool down before serving, which is super easy since it can sit on the counter while you get everything else ready. Perfect for any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combining the Base Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the cranberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Give everything a good stir to make sure the sugars are well mixed with the cranberries.
2. Adding Flavors:
Next, add the finely chopped onion, grated ginger, minced garlic, and your chopped chipotle peppers. Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon, ground allspice, and salt. Stir well to combine all the beautiful flavors.
3. Cooking Down the Chutney:
Bring the mixture to a light simmer, then reduce the heat to low. You’ll want to cook it while stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst open and the mixture thickens, which should take about 15-20 minutes. If the chutney gets too thick for your liking, don’t worry! Just stir in water a little at a time until you get the consistency you want.
4. Cooling Off:
Once the chutney is thick and delicious, remove it from heat and let it cool completely to room temperature. Remember, it will continue to thicken as it cools!
5. Storing and Serving:
Transfer the chutney to a clean jar or your favorite serving bowl. If you want to be fancy, you can garnish it with a sprig of rosemary or another fresh herb. It’s delicious with turkey, chicken, cheese, or even as a dip for crackers. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
This Spicy Chipotle Cranberry Chutney brings bright tartness, smoky heat, and warm spices together in a delightful way. Trust me, it’s perfect for holiday meals or a fun snack anytime!
Can I Use Dried Cranberries Instead of Fresh or Frozen?
While you can use dried cranberries, keep in mind they are much sweeter. If you go this route, reduce the sugar by about half and add a little extra apple cider vinegar to balance the flavors!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
To make it milder, use just one chipotle pepper or remove the seeds from the pepper before adding. For more heat, feel free to add an extra pepper or include a dash of cayenne pepper for a kick!
What Should I Do If the Chutney Is Too Thin?
If you find your chutney is too runny, continue cooking it over low heat to evaporate some excess liquid. Keep stirring to avoid burning. You can also add a tablespoon of corn starch mixed with a little water to thicken it up if needed.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This chutney can be made a few days in advance. In fact, the flavors meld beautifully as it sits in the fridge. Just store it in an airtight container, and it will last up to two weeks!