Explore the delightful fusion of flavors with my mixed fruit chutney recipe.
This vibrant blend of fresh apples, green and black grapes, pomegranate seeds, dates, and more creates a symphony of taste and textures.
Elevate your culinary experience with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Follow the step-by-step guide to craft this versatile chutney that pairs seamlessly with various dishes.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Mixed fruit chutney is a versatile addition that enhances the taste of both savory and sweet dishes.
- Enjoy a burst of fruity goodness with a mix of apples, grapes, dates, and more in every bite.
- Making this chutney is a breeze with simple steps and common kitchen ingredients.
- Follow storing tips to keep your homemade chutney fresh, ensuring weeks of flavorful enjoyment.
- Elevate your dining experience by pairing mixed fruit chutney with grilled meats, cheeses, sandwiches, and more for a delightful culinary adventure.
How to Make Mixed Fruit Chutney? (Step by Step Guide with Images)
Step 1: Take a wok or frying pan and heat it on a low flame on your gas stove. When it is hot enough, put 1 tsp of Indian five-spice blend (panch phoron) and a small piece of dry red chili in it.
Step 2: Stir them on a low flame for about two minutes. Crush them in a mortar and pestle or grind them in a grinder after cooling.
Step 3: Now, in the hot pan, pour 250 ml or a cup of water. Turn the flame of the gas stove to high.
Step 4: When the water starts boiling, first add 6 to 8 pieces of deseeded dates to it, each of them cut in half.
Step 5: Then, add 100 gm of mango fruit leather (aam papad or amsotto), 10 to 12 pieces of raisins, and 6 to 8 pieces of cashew nuts to the pan.
(Expert tip: Cut the aam papad roughly for faster cooking and easy mixing).
Step 6: Stir the ingredients and cover them to cook nicely for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 7: Now, remove the cover and add ½ cup of sugar to the content.
Step 8: Follow it with two bay leaves.
Step 9: Now add ½ tsp of salt and stir to mix everything nicely. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes on a high flame.
Step 10: Now, remove the cover, and check the consistency. Turn the flame of your gas stove off and add ½ tsp of lemon juice.
Step 11: Follow it with 1 tsp of the roasted and ground Indian five-spice blend (panch phoron) and dry red chili.
Step 12: Mix them nicely and let the chutney cool down a bit. Then add 1.5 tbsp of finely chopped apple, 6 to 8 pieces of green grapes, 6 to 8 pieces of black grapes, both cut in half, and 1.5 tbsp of pomegranate seeds to the chutney.
(Expert tip: Make sure all the fruits you add are fresh. This will add to the taste).
Step 13: Mix everything nicely.
(Expert tip: Do not add the fruits when the chutney is hot or the flame of the stove is on. This will destroy the crunchiness and color of the fruits).
Step 14: Transfer the chutney to a bowl and your tasty mixed fruit chutney is ready to be served.
Pro Tips for Making Mixed Fruit Chutney
Balancing Act: Adjust the sugar quantity based on your sweetness preference. Feel free to add a bit more if you have a sweet tooth or reduce it for a tangier twist.
Spice It Right: Experiment with the spice level by tweaking the amount of Indian five-spice blend and red chili. Start conservatively, taste, and add more if needed.
Texture Matters: Maintain the crunchiness of the fruits by adding them after the initial cooking. This ensures they retain their vibrant colors and distinct textures.
Fresh is Best: Opt for fresh fruits to enhance the chutney’s flavor. The natural sweetness and juiciness of fresh fruits contribute to a more delicious outcome.
Quick Cooking Tip: Cut the mango fruit leather (aam papad) roughly for faster cooking and better integration into the chutney.
Timing is Key: Keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent overcooking. Two to three minutes for certain ingredients and five minutes with the cover on should do the trick.
Cool Before Adding Fruits: To preserve the integrity of the fruits, let the chutney cool a bit before incorporating apples, grapes, and pomegranate seeds.
Mixed Fruit Chutney Storing Tips
Cool Before Storing: Allow the mixed fruit chutney to cool completely before transferring it to storage containers. This helps maintain its freshness and flavors.
Airtight is Right: Opt for airtight containers to store your chutney. This prevents external odors from affecting its taste and preserves its aromatic profile.
Refrigerate Promptly: Once the chutney reaches room temperature, refrigerate it promptly. The cool environment helps extend its shelf life and keeps it safe for consumption.
Avoid Moisture: Moisture is the enemy of chutneys. Ensure that the container and the chutney are completely dry before storing. Any moisture can lead to spoilage.
Spoon Hygiene: When scooping out chutney, use a clean, dry spoon every time. This minimizes the introduction of contaminants and helps the chutney stay fresh longer.
Freeze for Longevity: For an extended shelf life, consider freezing portions of the chutney. Use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and thaw in the refrigerator when needed.
How Does Mixed Fruit Chutney Taste?
Sweet and Tangy Harmony: Experience a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess as the natural sugars in fruits blend seamlessly with a hint of lemon juice. This harmony creates a flavor profile that’s neither overly sugary nor excessively tart.
Fruity Burst: Each spoonful is a burst of diverse fruity flavors. The combination of apples, grapes, dates, and mango fruit leather contributes to a medley of tastes, offering a rich and fulfilling fruity experience.
Subtle Spice Kick: The Indian five-spice blend (panch phoron) and a touch of dry red chili provide a subtle spice kick that elevates the chutney’s complexity without overpowering the fruity goodness. It’s a gentle reminder that this condiment is more than just sweet.
Crunchy Texture: Enjoy the contrasting textures of soft dates, chewy raisins, and crunchy cashew nuts. The fruits, added towards the end, retain their crispness, creating a satisfying bite that complements the overall texture of the chutney.
Warm Earthy Undertones: The roasted and ground Indian five-spice blend introduces warm earthy undertones, enhancing the chutney with a depth of flavor. It’s a subtle but distinct note that adds a comforting warmth to the palate.
A Hint of Citrus: The addition of lemon juice provides a subtle citrusy zing, cutting through the sweetness and contributing a refreshing element to the chutney. It’s a touch that keeps the taste buds engaged.
Mixed Fruit Chutney Alternatives
The following alternatives are some of those that specifically incorporate a mix of fruits, offering a diverse and flavorful chutney experience.
Mixed Berry Chutney: The taste of this chutney is sweet and tart, combining the flavors of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and more. A medley of mixed berries creates a vibrant chutney that’s both sweet and slightly tangy, perfect for a fruity twist.
Tropical Mixed Fruit Chutney: The taste of this chutney is exotic due to the blend of tropical fruits like mangoes, pineapples, and papayas, offering a sweet and exotic flavor. The chutney captures the essence of several tropical fruits, providing a unique and delightful taste experience.
Exotic Mixed Fruit Chutney: The combination of diverse fruits such as kiwi, dragon fruit, and passion fruit, results in a sweet and exotic profile. The chutney brings together an array of exotic fruits, creating a flavor journey that goes beyond the ordinary.
What Dishes Can Mixed Fruit Chutney Be Served with?
Cheese Platter: Include mixed fruit chutney in a cheese platter. It pairs exceptionally well with a variety of cheeses, adding a fruity and sweet element to the ensemble.
Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread mixed fruit chutney on sandwiches or wraps for a burst of flavor. It works well with both savory and sweet sandwich fillings.
Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle mixed fruit chutney over roasted vegetables to add a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.
Recipe Card
Mixed Fruit Chutney
Ingredients
- 1½ tbsp Fresh apple (finely chopped)
- 6 pieces Fresh green grapes (cut in half)
- 6 pieces Fresh black grapes (cut in half)
- 1½ tbsp Fresh pomegranate seeds
- 1 cup Water (250 ml)
- 6 pieces Dates (de-seeded and cut in half)
- 100 grams Mango fruit leather (aam papad or amsotto) (cut roughly)
- 10 pieces Raisins
- 8 pieces Cashew nuts
- ½ cup Sugar
- ½ tsp Salt
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Indian five spice blend (panch phoron)
- 1 piece Dry red chili (small)
Instructions
- Get a wok or frying pan and heat it over low flame on your stove. Once it's hot, add 1 teaspoon of Indian five-spice blend (panch phoron) and a small piece of dry red chili.
- Stir these spices on low heat for about two minutes. Afterward, crush them in a mortar and pestle or grind them once they've cooled.
- Now, in the hot pan, pour in 250 ml (or a cup) of water. Turn up the gas stove flame to high.
- When the water starts boiling, start by adding 6 to 8 pieces of deseeded dates, each cut in half.
- Next, add 100 grams of mango fruit leather (aam papad or amsotto), 10 to 12 raisins, and 6 to 8 pieces of cashew nuts to the pan.
- Stir the ingredients and cover them, letting them cook nicely for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Now, remove the cover and add ½ cup of sugar to the mixture.
- Follow this by adding two bay leaves.
- Add ½ teaspoon of salt and stir everything well. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes over high heat.
- After cooking, remove the cover and check the consistency. Turn off the gas stove and add ½ teaspoon of lemon juice.
- Add 1 teaspoon of the roasted and ground Indian five-spice blend (panch phoron) and the dry red chili.
- Mix everything nicely and allow the chutney to cool down a bit. Then, incorporate 1.5 tablespoons of finely chopped apple, 6 to 8 pieces each of green and black grapes (cut in half), and 1.5 tablespoons of pomegranate seeds.
- Mix everything well.
- Transfer the chutney to a bowl, and your delicious mixed fruit chutney is now ready to be served.
Notes
Nutrition Info (Estimation Only)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the homemade mixed fruit chutney is a deliciously versatile creation, ready to elevate your meals with its fruity symphony.
Easy to make and store, this condiment adds a delightful touch to both sweet and savory dishes, promising a burst of flavor in every bite.