The recipe below is a little different from my recipe video on YouTube. It is spicy and adds apples.
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe pears (peeled, cored, and diced)
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- 1 medium brown onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (grated)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1 jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped; leave seeds for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 cinnamon stick (or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water (if needed, for consistency)
Instructions:
- Prep Ingredients:
- Dice the pears and apples into small cubes for even cooking.
- Finely chop the onion, jalapeño, and garlic.
- Cook the Base:
- Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and jalapeño. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Spices and Fruits:
- Add the cumin, coriander, and cinnamon to the onion mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Toss in the pears, apples, cranberries, cider vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer:
- Stir the mixture well, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add water to achieve the desired consistency if the chutney becomes too thick.
- Final Touches:
- Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, or sugar).
- Remove the cinnamon stick (if using whole cinnamon).
- Cool and Store:
- Allow the chutney to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer it to a sterilized jar and store it in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.
Health Benefits of Ingredients:
- Pears: High in dietary fiber, pears support digestion and are a good source of vitamin C, which boosts immunity.
- Apples Supply antioxidants, dietary fiber, and vitamins like C and A, which support heart health and digestion.
- Brown Onion contains quercetin, an antioxidant that fights inflammation and supports heart health.
- Garlic: Rich in allicin, it offers antibacterial, antiviral, and cholesterol-lowering properties.
- Dried Cranberries: High in antioxidants and phytonutrients, cranberries support urinary tract health.
- Cumin and Coriander: Aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and offer antimicrobial benefits.
- Jalapeño: Packed with capsaicin, it boosts metabolism and has pain-relieving properties.
- Cinnamon: Helps regulate blood sugar levels and provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Cider Vinegar: Known to improve digestion, regulate blood sugar, and support weight management.
- Brown Sugar: Adds natural sweetness but should be used in moderation.
Origins of the Recipe:
Pear chutney has roots in Indian chutneys, known for their vibrant balance of spices, sweetness, and tang. Ingredients like cider vinegar and cranberries are incorporated, adding a Western twist. This blend is often seen in fusion recipes for holiday or winter tables. Chutneys became a staple in global cuisine through colonial trade, adapting to regional ingredients.
