This apple and caramelized onion chutney has become a family favorite.
I didn’t grow up with chutney, but have come to love it as an adult. Enjoying chutney served in Indian restaurants was my first step. Then I bought chutney in jars to eat with home-cooked meals, and now I’ve moved onto homemade versions – definitely the best!
My first effort was a traditional tomato chutney from Madhur Jaffrey, whose Indian recipes (and cookbooks) are out-of-this-world. Encouraged by how wonderful fresh chutney tastes, how little effort it takes, and how versatile it can be, I ventured into new ingredients and combinations. Soon, I was using chutney in the most unexpected ways.
Re-reading that first paragraph makes me smile. It almost sounds as if I’m describing my spiral from a gateway drug to addiction. Of course that’s not true; this delightful condiment may be hard to resist, but it’s hardly illicit or problematic. So don’t worry – I won’t lead you down a garden path to doom.
In any event, you can tell why, when our host, Liz, chose apples for this month’s Progressive Eats theme, my thoughts turned to chutney.
The consistency of chutney can be as thick as jam or slightly looser, like homemade cranberry sauce. It need not be incredibly spicy, but it shouldn’t be sweet. My favorite chutneys use a variety of ingredients to provide a flavor best described as complex – aromatic and a bit sweet, with a spicy edge. The spices should meld together so that you probably can’t discern what each one adds, but you can definitely tell that there are several in the mix.
This apple and caramelized onion chutney combines elements of a traditional chutney with two of my favorite ingredients not typically found in chutney: slowly caramelized onions and spicy Dijon mustard. The inspiration for it was a mango chutney from Epicurious, reprinted from a book on small batch preserving by two Canadian home economists. Although the authors of that recipe sound less like Southeast Asian food experts than home ec teachers from a Simpsons’ episode, they created a nice sweet-and-spicy combination that I tried to replicate with different ingredients.
Tart apples and slowly caramelized onions are a match made in heaven. Add mustard and the spicy notes from curry and you’ve got a condiment that is irresistible in my book. I like this chutney with brie cheese on bread, or with poached or simply sautéed chicken or fish.
Curry powder is not a single spice, but a combination of many – and which spices are contained in any particular curry and how hot the curry makes your food make all the difference in the taste of the dish. I used a half-and-half combination of Sharwood’s mild and hot curry powders in this chutney. That particular brand contains many spices in both the mild and hot versions: coriander, turmeric fenugreek, cumin, mustard powder, red pepper, salt, cayenne, garlic, cinnamon, clove and ginger as well as onion and fennel.
Some day I’ll make my own curry powder, but in the meantime, this serves quite well. Test your curry powder by sprinkling a bit in plain yogurt and tasting it. If it’s not hot enough for you, add a bit of cayenne or chile flakes.
The process of making this apple and caramelized onion chutney is simple.
First you caramelize the onions. When they are done, toss the onions in a large pot and add chopped apples, sugar and apple cider vinegar.
Then mix them up all those ingredients and bring them to a boil.
Let them simmer.
And just before the chutney finishes cooking, add the spices and lemon juice.
To see how easy this recipe is to make, check out the video:
Apple and Caramelized Onion Chutney
Ingredients
- 1 pound onions quartered and thinly sliced, 2-3 medium
- 2 tablespoons oil or butter or a combination
- 1 pound tart apples such as Granny Smiths (2-3 medium), peeled, cored, and cut into small pieces
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons grated or finely minced fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
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Caramelize the onions in the fat (oil, butter or combination). Deglaze the pan with 2 tablespoons of the cider vinegar and pour the onions and the deglazing liquid into a large, heavy enamel or stainless steel pot.
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Add the apples, sugar, ginger, and the rest of the cider vinegar. Mix all the ingredients and bring them to a rolling boil over high heat. Lower the heat and simmer the mixture, uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
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Add the lemon juice, curry powder, alt, cinnamon and Dijon mustard. Raise the heat slightly and continue cooking at a high simmer for another 5 minutes.
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Let the mixture cool before putting in an airtight container. The mixture should be kept refrigerated and is best eaten cold. Will last for weeks (or longer) refrigerated.
Recipe Notes
The apple and onion pieces will not generally get smaller during cooking, though the apples do soften and a few may break up as you stir the chutney. If you prefer your chutney smooth, chop the apple and onion into smaller pieces. Do not use a cast iron pot (except one that is enamel-coated) after you mix in the vinegar. Cast iron does not react well to acidic ingredients.
The preparation time does not include time for chilling the chutney. It should chill down in the refrigerator after 1-2 hours if you use a wide, low container.
Apple Recipes
Savory Dishes:
- Apple and Pecan Stuffed Pork Chops from Never Enough Thyme
- Apple-Cheese Spread from All Roads Lead to the Kitchen
- Apple Chutney from Mother Would Know
- Savory Apple Cheddar Bread Pudding from Stetted
- Tsunth Monji – Green Apple Fritters from Spiceroots
Sweet Dishes:
- Apple Butter Coffee Cake from Pastry Chef Online
- Hot Buttered Rum Apple Pie with Cheddar Crust from The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Apple Streusel Cake with Yogurt Cream (Gluten-Free) from Jeanette’s Healthy Living
- Homemade Pink Applesauce (Gluten-Free) from The Heritage Cook
- Hubba Hubba Apple Cake from The Food Hunter’s Guide to Cuisine
- Maple Glazed Apple Tart from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Maple Roasted Apple Butter with Bourbon from Creative Culinary
Progressive Eats is our virtual version of a Progressive Dinner Party. As I’ve already mentioned, this month’s theme is a Kebab Fest. We are hosted by Liz Berg who blogs at That Skinny Chick Can Bake. We hope you’ll join us and make something unique and delicious inspired by our kebab theme.
If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, a progressive dinner involves going from house to house, enjoying a different course at each location. With Progressive Eats, the host for the month choses a theme. Then members take the theme and run with it, sharing recipes suitable for a delicious meal or party. You can hop from blog to blog to check them out.
We have a core group of 12 bloggers, but we will always need substitutes and if there is enough interest would consider additional groups. To see our upcoming themes and how you can participate, please check out the schedule at Creative Culinary or contact Barb for more information.
Jenni says
September 29, 2015 at 9:02 amThank you so much for not leading us to our doom, Laura! lol I love chutney, too! Love your addition of mustard and caramelized onions–the flavor must be so deep and wonderful!
Liz says
September 29, 2015 at 10:07 amYour apple chutney looks terrific, Laura! Love that you added the caramelized onions and mustard—so yummy!
Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living says
September 29, 2015 at 5:49 pmThat chutney looks absolutely divine – I bet it’s super versatile too!
Laura says
October 13, 2015 at 12:17 pmThanks Jeanette. I’m going to use it on the turkey sandwiches after Thanksgiving – if there is any left at that point. Of course, I could just make another batch as part of the Thanksgiving preparations:)
Ansh says
September 29, 2015 at 6:06 pmThis chutney has a remarkable balance of flavors! I would use this on almost anything! Your new site looks fabulous!
Laura says
October 13, 2015 at 12:15 pmAnsh, Many thanks – especially glad that you like the new site design. I’m a chutney newbie, but as Susan Pridmore said, going to make up for lost time.
Kristina says
September 29, 2015 at 9:44 pmI *did* grow up with chutney, my Hawaiian grandfather made it all the time, and mailed it to us. this recipe sounds SO flavorful!
Lucy says
September 30, 2015 at 1:31 pmI’m obsessed with apple chutney! The curry and Dijon mustard in this version sound delicious. Can’t wait to try it!
Jessica says
October 1, 2015 at 10:35 amFirst of all, I love the new design! Looks great! This apple chutney looks perfect for fall. Thanks for sharing the recipe…
Laura says
October 13, 2015 at 12:12 pmJessica, Many thanks for stopping by and for the compliment on the site. Hope you’ll try the chutney.
susan / the wimpy vegetarian says
October 1, 2015 at 12:27 pmI love chutneys and didn’t grow up with them either. So now I make up for lost time 🙂 I just love all the flavors in this chutney and pinning it to make sure I make it this fall!!! LOVE!
Laura says
October 13, 2015 at 12:12 pmSusan, Hope you do try it – and let me know what you think. I’m with you on making up for lost time in the chutney department:)
Megan says
October 4, 2015 at 1:49 pmI love a good chutney. I can see so many wonderful uses for this recipe!
Laura says
October 13, 2015 at 12:10 pmMegan, Thanks for stopping by. This chutney is great as a condiment in dinner courses and on sandwiches. I can’t wait to try it out after Thanksgiving on the leftover turkey sandwiches.
Jane, The Heritage Cook says
October 5, 2015 at 12:18 pmThis will definitely be making an appearance on my table soon – and there might just be a few jars sprinkled around the neighborhood! 🙂
Laura says
October 13, 2015 at 11:58 amJane, I do hope you make a batch – and sharing would make you very popular in your neighborhood.
Ansh says
October 5, 2015 at 11:59 pmChutney is something I can’t do without and always try out anything new. So this one is going to be tried soon. Fabulous recipe.
Laura says
October 13, 2015 at 11:47 amAnsh, I do hope you’ll let me know what you think of it when you try it. Someday, I hope to cook together (In the same kitchen and not just virtually) with you and Barb, it always looks like you’re having such fun.
Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen says
October 7, 2015 at 7:01 amThis does sound irresistible, I’m dreaming of it with some nice grilled fish. I just love all of the divverent flavor notes in a good chutney.
Laura says
October 13, 2015 at 11:39 amHeather, Oooh, that does sound good. As a matter of fact, I’ll have to put fish on the shopping list, now that I have the chutney in the fridge.
Lana | Never Enough Thyme says
October 8, 2015 at 11:28 amBelieve it or not, I did grow up with chutneys. They’re very popular in the coastal south and came into our cuisine through the 1800’s shipping trade with the “Far East.” This one sounds invitingly delicious – love the bit of Dijon mustard included!
Laura says
October 13, 2015 at 11:31 amLana, I never knew of chutney’s popularity in the coastal south, though I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Glad you like this version.
Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living says
October 13, 2015 at 8:26 amI love the idea of apple chutney – perfect for Fall!
Laura says
October 13, 2015 at 11:15 amJeannette – Thanks. It is such a perfect fall chutney – great condiment for lots of different meals, not just Indian food.
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen says
June 8, 2016 at 10:11 amI love chutney!! The combination of apples and onions here looks incredible!
Laura says
June 15, 2016 at 8:24 pmThanks Ashley – we just had some of this chutney the other night with cold sliced turkey breast and salad. It’s one of our favorite condiments.
PB says
August 7, 2016 at 9:04 pmHi – I want to make this but am confused by the amount of apple cider vinegar.
Is it 1/3 cup + 2 tbs?
Do you add the 1/3 cup when you add the apples etc?
Laura says
August 11, 2016 at 4:45 pmPB, I am so sorry. I switched recipe plug-ins and the description got messed up – I just fixed it. You add 2 tablespoons of the apple cider vinegar to the pan after the onions are finished cooking, just to deglaze the pan. You add the rest of the vinegar after that, along with the apples, etc. Hope you enjoy the chutney.
Jolanta says
September 9, 2018 at 8:08 amDo you mean 1/3 of a cup.
Laura says
September 13, 2018 at 10:58 pmJolanta, I assume you’re referring to the apple cider vinegar. It should be 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons. The recipe plug-in that I use made that look wonky – thanks for pointing it out. I fixed it now, so hopefully it is clearer.
geet says
July 12, 2017 at 9:30 amgreat recipe thanks for sharing this. will certainly try it out.
Laura says
July 17, 2017 at 7:03 pmThanks Geet – hope you enjoy the chutney.
Ross says
October 1, 2017 at 8:29 pmGreat recipe, thanks for sharing. I roasted the apples at the same time as I was roasting the onions, then put them together for the final cooking. That really made a difference, with Carmelites apples. Needed less sugar .
Laura says
October 5, 2017 at 2:20 pmThanks Ross. Glad you liked it. And I love your suggestion about roasting/caramelizing the apples. I’ll have to try it.
Mary says
January 28, 2018 at 10:26 pmI made this to go with a smoked pork loin. It was a really yummy chutney, and I loved the tang of the ginger. I will be making this one again.
Laura says
January 29, 2018 at 6:30 pmMary, Wonderful. Glad you liked it.
Lola says
September 24, 2018 at 11:20 amThis chutney looks divine! Our family eats chutney with a Canadian tourtière. I typically serve pineapple chutney with it but this recipe would go great with the pork in the tourtière! Thanks for sharing!
Laura says
September 27, 2018 at 10:10 amLola, So glad you stopped by. I’d love to have your tourtiere, and I’ll bet this chutney would go fabulously with it.
Kirsten Mugford says
November 21, 2018 at 10:59 amI was looking for a different sort of chutney than plain apple, so will try this. However I usually store my chutneys for at least 3 months before I serve it, and I keep my preserves in a cupboard, not the fridge.
What do you say to that?
Laura says
November 23, 2018 at 11:11 amPlease do try the chutney – my family and friends think it is delicious. Sure you can store preserves in the cupboard, but I didn’t go to the trouble of properly sterilizing and sealing the jars for preserving it that way. You must follow good food safety preserving practices or else store it refrigerated as I did:)
Sue says
December 14, 2018 at 10:40 amI made this last night and it’s delish! My only change/addition was that 1/3 cup of vinegar was nowhere near enough for this recipe. I added another full cup so that I could cook it for the 20 minutes. Other chutney recipes I’ve used have had much more liquid. I will make this again (for sure!) but will use 1 additional cup of vinegar. Thanks for the tasty recipe!
Laura says
December 18, 2018 at 7:03 pmSue, Glad you liked the chutney. And I can well understand adding more vinegar even though I don’t. Chutneys do vary in their liquid – some being quite solid and others with a more liquid consistency. I like mine on the solid side.