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