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Spiced Pear Chutney

Irresistible Spiced Pear Chutney for Flavorful Fall Dishes

A delightful Spiced Pear Chutney that enhances various meals and captures autumn's essence in every bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: APPETIZERS
Cuisine: American
Calories: 80
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chutney
  • 8 ounces Medjool Dates Adds natural sweetness and a sticky texture; substitute with dried figs for a different flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Cooking Oil Use any neutral oil for sautéing spices; olive oil adds a distinct flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Whole Cumin Provides depth of flavor; can be substituted with ground cumin (use half the amount).
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger Adds warmth and spice; substitute with ½ teaspoon ground ginger if fresh isn't available.
  • 2 pieces Dried Red Chili Brings heat; adjust quantity according to your spice preference or leave out for a milder chutney.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Seeds (Nigella Seeds) Offers a unique flavor; may omit or substitute with sesame seeds if not available.
  • 4 cups California Bartlett Pears The main ingredient that ensures a fruity base; other ripe but firm varieties like Bosc or Anjou work well.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander Enhances the spiced profile; can swap with additional ground cumin for a stronger flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Cardamom Adds floral notes; can omit if unavailable.
  • 1 stick Cinnamon Stick Provides warmth; replace with ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon if desired.
  • 1 piece Star Anise Contributes sweet complexity; can skip but will miss the aromatic notes.
  • ½ cup Fresh Orange Juice Provides acidity and brightness; can substitute with apple cider or lemon juice.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Balances flavors; adjust according to taste.
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice Adds freshness; can substitute with lemon juice if needed.

Equipment

  • medium saucepan

Method
 

How to Make Spiced Pear Chutney
  1. Soak Dates: Start by soaking the Medjool dates in hot water for 5-10 minutes to soften them, which enhances the chutney's sweetness and texture.
  2. Sauté Spices: Heat up a tablespoon of your chosen cooking oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add whole cumin seeds, dried red chili, and onion seeds, sautéing until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
  3. Add Ginger: Stir in freshly minced ginger and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing its warm aroma to fill your kitchen.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Toss in diced California Bartlett pears, ground coriander, ground cardamom, cinnamon stick, and star anise; mix everything well to combine the spices with the fruit.
  5. Mix Dates & Juices: Incorporate the softened dates along with their soaking water, fresh orange juice, and salt. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer.
  6. Cook Chutney: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the pears become tender.
  7. Thicken Mixture: After 20 minutes, uncover the saucepan and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chutney thickens.
  8. Finish & Cool: Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in lime juice. Allow the chutney to cool completely before transferring it to jars for storage.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoonsCalories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 20gFat: 1gSodium: 170mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin C: 3mg

Notes

Serve your chutney with crackers and cheese for an exquisite appetizer. Adjust seasoning levels toward the end of cooking for a perfectly balanced Spiced Pear Chutney.

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