Every summer, my brother in law’s family brings me fresh figs, hand picked and delivered from their tree in Southern California. Usually I turn the batch into fig jam but this year I made a sweet and slightly spicy fig chutney.
The chutney is made with whole spices such as cloves, coriander and mustard seed. The spices are toasted first and then lightly crushed to release their full essence. The coriander seeds are like yellow flecks of sunshine, adding a pop of crunch to every bite.
I’ve used a combination of sweet aged balsamic and apple cider vinegars. I love the deep, rich flavor and color sweet aged balsamic adds to the chutney. The apple cider vinegar lightens up the chutney while still providing a punch of flavor.
The recipe for this quick fig chutney comes together in less than forty minutes. Preserve the beauty of fig season now and enjoy throughout the fall. Serve it with a bread and cheese platter, roasted chicken or lamb, Indian food or eat by the spoonful.
Fig Chutney
Top 8 Free
Makes 2 1/2 -3 cups
Freezer-Friendly
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds Black Mission fresh figs, washed and dried with stems removed. Quartered and chopped, about 2 pints
- 1/2 cup shallots, fine dice, about 2 ounces
- 3/4 cup organic cane sugar + 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon black mustard seed, toasted and lightly crushed-*See Note
- 2 teaspoon coriander seed, toasted and lightly crushed-*See Note
- 1/4 teaspoon whole cloves, toasted and lightly crushed
- 2/3 cup sweet aged balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, about 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, or to taste depending on spice preference
Dry Toast Spices:
- Toast whole spices in a dry small sauce pan (no oil) for 30-60 seconds. Shake pan occasionally. The spices are toasted when they are fragrant and some of the seeds may pop, being careful not to burn. Use a mortar pestle to lightly crush the seeds after.
To Cook Chutney:
- Throw everything together in a medium size, heavy bottom pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer, uncovered. Stir often. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until consistency is like jam. Chutney will thicken once cool.
- Remove from heat and pour into sterilized glass canning jars ( I run mine through the dishwasher).
Notes:
- Use only fresh figs for this recipe.
- Mash some of the figs while cooking if desired.
- Chutney can be frozen in freezer safe jars for up to six months. Use a clean spoon with each use. Store in refrigerator for up to one month, if it lasts that long!
- For those interested in canning chutney, refer to the National Center for Home Food Preservation Website
Figs are my favourite, this looks amazing 🙂
Thank you! I love them too. Usually I enjoy them in their naturally delicious whole fruit way but this is a fun way to preserve them 💜
We are eating fresh figs in Germany and aswitzerland right now so this recipe really appealed to me.
Thank you Kathleen! Fresh figs are the best & this is another way to enjoy them longer. Happy travels 💜
Shahla! This was so good that my daughter kept demanding it after tasting and then ate it alone out of a plate. lol I added a little tamarind to it too. Very lovely recipe. Thank you!
Thank you so much for trying it and sharing Izzah! I’m so glad that your family enjoyed it. Tamarind would be so awesome in this recipe too 💜
Love this recipe. Tried it for the first time. Can frozen dogs not be used ?
So glad you loved it Aruna! It’s a favorite of ours too. I haven’t tried it with frozen figs! – I would imagine you could try as long as they are not thawed completely because frozen figs will likely release more water and maybe throw off consistency a bit. Thanks for trying the recipe 💜
Can ground spices be used instead of whole ones
HI Cathy, I haven’t tried this recipe with ground spices but I’m sure you can use them just note that it will be a different chutney. Whole spices are used in this recipe to maximize the flavor and to add texture. If you make it, I’d love to know what you think!
Thanks for your reply. Will do. Bestest Cathy
Thank you for this recipe. I used your recipe as inspiration for a semi-homemade version using store-bought jam. I served it as a condiment for Seekh Kebabs and the family loved how it complemented! Thanks again!
Thanks so much Rani! I’m so glad it worked out with the jam- that sounds really yummy 💜