| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 60 mins – 90 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 | 0.3g | 0.03g | 80.3g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 71g | 5.2g | 0.8g | 0.1g |
One of my absolute favorite autumn offerings is this aromatic Pear Chutney. Growing up in Texas, I’ve always had a fondness for bold and vibrant flavors. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the sweet and tangy combination, especially when they’re produced with seasonal produce like ripe pears. I love how this chutney marries the traditional Southern canning techniques with unexpected ingredients, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
What Makes this Recipe Special?
When it comes to the Pear Chutney, I strongly believe in letting the natural sweetness of the pears shine through. The sugars, both white and brown, help to bring out the fruit’s inherent sweetness, while the cider vinegar provides an acidic counterpoint that balances out the flavors. Add in earthy fall spices like cinnamon and cloves, and you get an explosion of flavor that is simply irresistible. The addition of fresh ginger and mustard seeds further elevates this dish.
But it’s not just the flavor profile of the Pear Chutney that I adore. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, this chutney not only tastes good, it’s good for you too! Pears are a great source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and can help control blood sugar levels. They are also high in Vitamin C and antioxidants, making this chutney a delicious and healthful choice.
Pairing the Pear Chutney
I often find that this Pear Chutney is very similar to a traditional apple compote or cranberry sauce, making it a versatile accompaniment to a variety of dishes. It pairs exceptionally well with roasted meats, adding a tangy sweetness that completes the dish in a remarkable way. Try it with a roasted turkey for a Thanksgiving twist, or with some tender pork loin. For a completely vegetarian dish, try it with a hearty piece of baked brie. It also works as a fantastic addition to a cheese platter.
The beauty of Pear Chutney is that it’s a delicious twist on conventional condiments, providing any dish with a blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. It’s a testament to the sort of culinary creativity that can come out of combining Southern cooking traditions with fresh, local ingredients.
If you’re interested in learning more about the traditional cooking and preserving techniques used in this recipe, check out Taste of Southern’s guide. And for the health benefits of pears, see Healthline’s comprehensive article.
What You’ll Need
- 4 ripe pears, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon whole mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Method
Step One
Begin by prepping your ingredients. Peel and chop your 4 ripe pears, dice your red onion and red bell pepper, and mince your fresh ginger.
Step Two
In a large saucepan, combine your chopped pears, apple cider vinegar, white sugar, brown sugar, diced onion, diced bell pepper, raisins, minced ginger, whole mustard seeds, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt.
Step Three
Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. This will help to dissolve the sugars and marry all the flavors together.
Step Four
Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer. Continue to stir occasionally.
Step Five
Let the chutney simmer until it has thickened. This usually takes around 2 hours.
Step Six
After the chutney has thickened, allow it to cool. It can be kept in jars or containers, refrigerated, and enjoyed with a variety of dishes.
Remember, chutney tastes better as it ages, meaning this lovely pear chutney will become more flavorful and delicious the longer it has to sit and marry the different ingredients together.
