Gingered Cranberry Fig Chutney
Oui, Chef
Photo by Rocky Luten
- Serves
- 6-8
- Prep Time
- 10 Minutes
- Cook Time
- 25 Minutes
I've never been much of a fan of straight-up cranberry sauce, in fact, the jellied kind makes me want to gag. I much prefer a condiment like this, that is more than just cranberries and a lot of sugar. This chutney gets its sweetness not just from sugar, but from raisins, some OJ and dried black mission figs. The cider vinegar and lemon juice lend a sparkling acid note, and the ginger and red pepper flakes bring heat. I finished it with some chopped, toasted hazelnuts to add an earthy crunch, and some freshly minced thyme for a hint of herbal complexity. I love the way it turned out, I'll definitely reserve a spot for it on my Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients
- 12 ounce fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, minced
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/3 cup hazelnuts, skinless, toasted and roughly chopped
- 8 dried black mission figs, cut into eighths
- 2 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely minced
Featured Video
This chutney is perfect for those looking for something zippy and less sweet than a typical cranberry sauce. It combines the elements of a great chutney (mustard seeds, spices, vinegar, sugar) with other carefully selected ingredients (among them cranberries, dried figs, fresh ginger, red pepper flakes, fresh thyme and toasted hazelnuts); the result is a sophisticated, jewel-toned "cranberry sauce" with just the right ratio of sour to sweet that's just as well-suited to roast pork or beef as it is to Thanksgiving turkey. Be careful not to cook the chutney for too long -- you want it luscious and thick, not sticky. - A&M
Directions
- Step 1
Add all the ingredients, with the exception of the chopped hazelnuts and fresh thyme, to a heavy bottomed pan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to bring the mix to a simmer, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occassionally, until the chutney thickens some. Remove from the heat, stir in the nuts and fresh thyme and let cool slightly before serving.