Originally posted on January 7, 2022 @ 2:51 am
If you’re looking to add a burst of flavor and a spicy kick to your meals, jalapeno chutney is an absolute game-changer. This vibrant, tangy, and slightly sweet condiment combines the heat of fresh jalapenos with the brightness of vinegar and a hint of sweetness, making it a versatile addition to countless dishes.
Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, spreading it on sandwiches, or mixing it into dips, jalapeno chutney brings a lively zest that can elevate simple meals into memorable feasts.
Making jalapeno chutney at home is surprisingly straightforward. You control the heat level, freshness, and flavor balance, ensuring it perfectly suits your taste buds.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to preserve those jalapenos, especially when you have a surplus from your garden or market haul. This recipe is quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and can be stored in the fridge for weeks, so you always have a spicy condiment on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This jalapeno chutney recipe is a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors, making it a versatile condiment for many dishes. It’s easy to prepare, requiring just a handful of fresh ingredients, and can be made in under 30 minutes.
Plus, it stores well, so you can enjoy the bold flavors for weeks.
The chutney’s vibrant green color and fresh aroma add brightness to any plate. Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or just want to try something new, this chutney introduces a delicious heat without overwhelming your palate.
It’s also a fantastic way to use fresh jalapenos, making it ideal for seasonal cooking or preserving garden produce.
Finally, it’s a healthier alternative to many store-bought spicy sauces, free from preservatives and artificial additives. With its natural ingredients and fresh preparation, this chutney is as wholesome as it is tasty.
Ingredients
- 10-12 fresh jalapenos, stemmed and chopped (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or mustard oil recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Optional: juice of 1/2 lemon for extra tang
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Knife and chopping board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender or food processor (optional, for smoother chutney)
- Glass jar or airtight container for storage
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients. Carefully wash the jalapenos. Remove stems and chop them roughly. For less heat, remove seeds before chopping. Finely chop the onion, mince garlic, and grate the ginger.
- Toast the mustard seeds. In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them crackle for about 30 seconds. This releases their aromatic flavor.
- Sauté aromatics. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add spices and jalapenos. Stir in the turmeric powder and salt, then add the chopped jalapenos. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften the peppers.
- Add vinegar and sugar. Pour in the white vinegar and sprinkle the brown sugar over the mixture. Stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the chutney simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until the jalapenos are tender and the flavors meld together.
- Optional blending. If you prefer a smoother texture, allow the mixture to cool slightly, then transfer it to a blender or food processor. Pulse until you reach your desired consistency.
- Adjust seasoning. Taste the chutney and add lemon juice if desired for extra tang. Adjust salt or sugar as needed.
- Cool and store. Let the chutney cool completely before transferring it to a clean glass jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Tips & Variations
For milder chutney, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos before chopping.
Try adding a small apple or pear for a fruity sweetness that balances the heat.
Use mustard oil for a more authentic, pungent flavor common in Indian-style chutneys.
You can also experiment with adding spices like cumin seeds or coriander powder for a different flavor profile. If you like it extra spicy, add a few serrano peppers or a pinch of cayenne powder.
For a chunkier chutney, avoid blending and simply cook until the ingredients are soft but still retain some texture.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per 2 tbsp |
|---|---|
| Calories | 25 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Fat | 0.5 g |
| Protein | 0.3 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Vitamin C | 15% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This jalapeno chutney pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, especially chicken, pork, and lamb. Its spicy tang cuts through rich flavors, adding a refreshing contrast.
Use it as a condiment on burgers, sandwiches, or wraps for an extra punch of flavor. It also works beautifully as a dip alongside tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Try stirring it into plain yogurt or sour cream for a spicy raita or creamy dip. You can even mix it into cooked grains like rice or quinoa to add a vibrant flavor boost.
Conclusion
Making your own jalapeno chutney is a delightful way to add a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor to your meals. This easy recipe uses fresh ingredients and simple techniques to create a versatile condiment that complements a wide range of dishes.
Its bold flavor and vibrant color make it not only delicious but visually appealing as well.
Whether you’re a spicy food enthusiast or just looking to experiment with new flavors, this chutney is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, the ability to customize the heat level and sweetness means you can tailor it perfectly to your taste.
Try making a batch today and explore new ways to enjoy this fiery, flavorful condiment!
For more exciting condiment recipes, check out our Homemade Mango Chutney, Spicy Garlic Sauce, and Classic Tamarind Chutney for equally delicious additions to your culinary repertoire.
📖 Recipe Card: Jalapeno Chutney
Description: A spicy and tangy jalapeno chutney perfect for snacks and meals. This chutney combines fresh jalapenos with tangy tamarind and aromatic spices.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 10 fresh jalapenos, chopped
- 1/4 cup tamarind paste
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon jaggery or brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan and add mustard and cumin seeds until they splutter.
- Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add chopped jalapenos and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in tamarind paste, jaggery, salt, and turmeric powder.
- Pour in water and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Allow to cool, then blend to a smooth chutney consistency.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition: Calories: 60 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Carbs: 8g
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