Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A beautiful blend of sweet pears, apples, and raisins, paired with the exotic flavors of saffron, cinnamon, and nutmeg, this chutney is truly special. The combination of tangy vinegar and brown sugar adds just the right balance of sweetness and acidity, while the saffron infuses it with a golden hue and delicate fragrance. It’s a slow-cooked delight that allows the flavors to marry perfectly, making it a luxurious addition to any table. The added bonus is that it’s easy to make, though it requires patience for that final flavor transformation as it sits in the jar.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 15 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 50g fresh ginger, grated
- 250g brown sugar
- 240ml white vinegar
- 650g ripe pears, peeled
- 350g apples, peeled
- 130g raisins
- Grated zest & juice of 2 oranges
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- Salt + pepper to taste
- 2 pinches saffron
- A pinch of nutmeg
- 5g cinnamon
- Optional: tiny splash of vanilla (for vibes)
Directions
- Prepare the ingredients
Begin by peeling and chopping the pears, apples, and tomatoes. Grate the ginger, zest the oranges, and set aside the raisins. - Cook the onions and ginger
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and grated ginger, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. - Simmer the chutney
Add the pears, apples, tomatoes, raisins, and all the remaining ingredients (brown sugar, vinegar, orange zest and juice, saffron, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and pepper) into the pan. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, and let it cook uncovered for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. The chutney will thicken as it simmers and should have a deep, rich color. - Taste and adjust
After about 30 minutes, taste the chutney. If the vinegar is still too sharp, continue to simmer and allow it to mellow. The chutney is ready once the texture is thick and the flavors have fully developed. - Cool and store
Once cooked, let the chutney cool before transferring it into a jar. Seal and store in the fridge. Allow it to sit for at least 48 hours before opening to allow the flavors to mature fully.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes (excluding resting time in the jar)
Variations
- Add more spice: If you prefer a spicier chutney, feel free to add some chopped fresh chili or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Change the fruit: For a twist, you can substitute some of the pears with plums, peaches, or even apricots.
- Boost the vanilla: A larger splash of vanilla extract can enhance the overall flavor profile for a richer, sweeter taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the chutney in a sealed jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks.
- Reheating: While this chutney is typically served chilled or at room temperature, you can gently reheat it on the stove over low heat if preferred.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of vinegar in this chutney?
Yes, apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar could work as alternatives, though they may slightly alter the flavor.
2. How can I make this chutney spicier?
Add finely chopped chili peppers or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to give it a spicy kick.
3. Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?
You can experiment with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar, though the final taste may vary slightly.
4. Can I leave out the saffron?
Yes, but the saffron adds a unique flavor and color to the chutney. If unavailable, you can omit it or try a small pinch of turmeric for color.
5. How do I know when the chutney is thick enough?
The chutney should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, and it will continue to thicken as it cools.
6. Can I make this chutney without raisins?
Yes, you can substitute raisins with dried cranberries, sultanas, or even chopped dried apricots for a different texture and flavor.
7. Can I freeze pear and saffron chutney?
Yes, chutney can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just let it cool before storing in an airtight container or freezer-safe jar.
8. How long should I let the chutney rest before using it?
For best flavor, let the chutney sit in the jar for at least 48 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.
9. Can I adjust the sweetness of this chutney?
Absolutely! You can add more or less sugar to suit your personal taste. Start with the recommended amount and adjust if needed.
10. Is this chutney good for gifting?
Yes, it makes a fantastic homemade gift! Package it in a pretty jar and let it sit for a couple of days before gifting to let the flavors meld.
Conclusion
Pear & Saffron Chutney is the kind of recipe that fills the kitchen with warm, comforting aromas and brings a touch of elegance to your meals. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cheese platter, pairing it with grilled meats, or savoring it as a simple snack, this chutney’s rich combination of fruits, spices, and saffron creates a memorable treat. Take your time with this one, as the patience of slow simmering rewards you with deep, complex flavors that are worth every minute.
Pear & Saffron Chutney
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Blending
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and creamy side dish , featuring frozen peas, heavy cream, butter, and seasoning, with options for extra flavor twists.
Ingredients
280g frozen peas
60ml heavy cream
14g butter
2.5g salt
2.5g pepper
Optional: lemon zest, mint, garlic
Instructions
- In a small pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil. Add the peas and boil for 3 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid boiling over.
- Drain the peas and toss them into a blender or food processor. Add the cream, butter, salt, pepper, and any optional ingredients like lemon zest, mint, or garlic for extra flavor.
- Pulse the mixture until it’s mostly smooth, but still a little chunky. You don’t want it to be fully pureed—you want texture.
- Taste the peas and adjust seasoning with more salt, lemon, or mint if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
For a minty twist, add fresh mint and a zest of lemon.
Roasted garlic can provide a savory depth of flavor.
Cheese lovers can add grated Parmesan or cheddar for a cheesy version.
If you like heat, a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce can spice it up.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 recipe
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
