How to Make Fruit-Based Indian Chutneys and Pickles

Fruit-based Indian chutneys and pickles are a delightful addition to any meal, bursting with flavor and nutrition. These condiments not only enhance the taste of your dishes but also add a vibrant color to your table. Here's how you can make delicious fruit-based chutneys and pickles at home.

1. Mango Chutney

Mango chutney is a classic Indian condiment that perfectly balances sweetness and spice.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup vinegar
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, combine mangoes, sugar, vinegar, and chopped onion.
  2. Cook on medium heat until the mangoes soften, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add ginger, mustard seeds, chili powder, and salt, then cook for another 10 minutes until it thickens.
  4. Allow to cool, and transfer to sterilized jars. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks.

2. Apple and Ginger Chutney

This sweet and spicy chutney pairs well with meats and cheeses.

Ingredients:

  • 3 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 2 tsp ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine apples, sugar, and vinegar.
  2. Add ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; mix well.
  3. Cook over medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick.
  4. Let it cool before transferring to jars. This chutney can be stored in the fridge for several weeks.

3. Lemon Pickle

Lemon pickle is a tangy, spicy condiment that adds a zing to any meal.

Ingredients:

  • 4 lemons, quartered
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 cup mustard oil
  • 1 tsp asafoetida (hing)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix the quartered lemons with salt, turmeric, and chili powder.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a glass jar, pressing to release some lemon juice.
  3. Heat the mustard oil, then add asafoetida and pour over the lemons.
  4. Seal the jar and let the pickle sit in a sunny spot for a week, shaking it daily to combine the flavors.

4. Fig Chutney

Fig chutney is a unique combination of sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups dried figs, chopped
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine the chopped figs and water. Cook on low heat until figs are soft.
  2. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and chopped walnuts. Stir to combine.
  3. Simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  4. Cool down and store in sterilized jars. Best enjoyed after