Mango Chutney
Mango chutney is a delightful accompaniment that brings a sweet and tangy flavor to your meals. This vibrant condiment is perfect for elevating anything from grilled meats to curries, and it’s incredibly easy to make at home. With just a few ripe mangoes and some simple pantry staples, you can whip up a batch that will impress your family and friends.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 120
- Protein: 0.3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 26 grams
- Sodium: 5 mg
Why Make This Mango Chutney
Making mango chutney at home is not only rewarding but also provides you with a fresh, preservative-free product. Unlike store-bought versions, which can be packed with unhealthy additives, homemade mango chutney lets you control all the ingredients, giving you a deliciously sweet and savory condiment that you can feel good about serving. Plus, the combination of flavors—ripe mangoes, zesty ginger, and a hint of heat—creates an irresistible balance that will keep your taste buds wanting more.
How to Make Mango Chutney
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a large saucepan, combine the diced mangoes, finely chopped onions, and sugar. This mixture forms the base of your chutney, blending sweetness from the mangoes and sugar with the aromatic onion.
Step 2: Mixing
Add the vinegar to the fruit and onion mixture, stirring well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated. The vinegar will help balance the sweetness and add a tangy flavor to your chutney.
Step 3: Cooking
Add the grated ginger, mustard seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens to a chutney-like consistency.
Step 4: Finishing
Remove the chutney from heat and let it cool at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to sterilized jars, seal them tightly, and refrigerate. The chutney can be stored for several weeks, allowing the flavors to develop even further.
How to Serve Mango Chutney
Mango chutney is versatile and can be used in numerous ways. Serve it as a dipping sauce alongside grilled meats like chicken or pork, or use it as a topping for sandwiches and burgers. It pairs beautifully with cheese platters or as a condiment with Indian dishes such as samosas and curries. The possibilities are endless!
How to Store Mango Chutney
Store your mango chutney in sterilized glass jars. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. For longer storage, consider canning the chutney following safe canning procedures, which will extend its shelf life significantly.
Expert Tips for Perfect Mango Chutney
- Choose Ripe Mangoes: Select ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavor. They should be slightly soft to the touch but not overly mushy.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet chutney, reduce the amount of sugar or add more vinegar for a tangier kick.
- Spice Levels: If you enjoy a bit more heat, consider adding additional red chili powder or even some chopped fresh chilies.
- Consistency Check: Keep an eye on the mixture as it cooks. If it gets too thick, you can add a bit of water or more vinegar to adjust the consistency.
- Let it Sit: Allow your chutney to sit for at least a few hours or overnight before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Delicious Variations
- Pineapple Mango Chutney: Add diced pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Spicy Mango Chutney: Incorporate finely chopped green chilies or jalapeños for extra heat.
- Coconut Mango Chutney: Mix in shredded coconut for a hint of nuttiness.
- Herbed Mango Chutney: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a refreshing touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I tell if my mangoes are ripe?
Look for mangoes that give slightly when squeezed and have a sweet, fruity aroma. The skin color can range from green to yellow, depending on the variety.
2. Can I use frozen mangoes?
Yes, you can use frozen mangoes, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the recipe.
3. What type of vinegar works best for chutney?
Apple cider vinegar works wonderfully due to its mild flavor, but you can also use white vinegar or malt vinegar if desired.
4. Can I use less sugar in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the sugar according to your preference for sweetness. Just remember that sugar also acts as a preservative.
5. Can I make this chutney spicy?
Definitely! Increase the amount of red chili powder or add fresh chopped chilies to achieve your desired spice level.
Conclusion
Mango chutney is a delicious and versatile addition to many meals. With its balance of sweetness, tanginess, and just a hint of spice, it’s sure to impress anyone who tastes it. This simple recipe allows you to create an authentic condiment at home that adds flavor and flair to your favorite dishes. So gather those ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the marvelous flavors of your homemade mango chutney!
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Mango Chutney
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A sweet and tangy mango chutney that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, curries, and sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the diced mangoes, finely chopped onions, and sugar.
- Add the vinegar to the mixture and stir well.
- Mix in the grated ginger, mustard seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 30-40 minutes.
- Remove from heat, let cool, and transfer to sterilized jars for storage.
Notes
Store in sterilized glass jars for up to 2-3 weeks. Allow flavors to meld by letting it sit for a few hours or overnight before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
