Description
This easy fig chutney recipe is a delightful blend of fresh or dried figs with brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and warming cinnamon. Perfect as a sweet and tangy condiment, this chutney can enhance cheeses, roasted meats, or even be enjoyed on toast.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces figs (fresh or dried)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the figs: Using a small knife, remove the stems from the figs and slice each fig in half carefully to prepare for cooking.
- Combine ingredients in saucepan: Place the figs, brown sugar, water, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick (or ground cinnamon) in a medium-sized saucepan.
- Heat mixture: Heat over medium heat, stirring every few minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to form small bubbles around the edges.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove cinnamon and cool: Take the chutney off the heat and remove the cinnamon stick, if used. Let the chutney cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Process to desired texture: Transfer the cooled chutney to a food processor or blender and pulse 2 to 5 times until you reach your preferred texture, smooth or slightly chunky.
- Store: Pour the chutney into airtight jars. Let it come to room temperature before refrigerating to preserve flavor and freshness.
Notes
- If using dried figs, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes beforehand to soften them for better cooking results.
- Fresh figs have softer skins and may naturally break down during cooking without needing processing in a blender.
- Adjust the amount of sugar based on the natural sweetness of the figs; taste and customize accordingly.
- Granulated sugar can substitute brown sugar, though the flavor will differ slightly.
- For sugar-free versions, omit sweeteners or use alternatives like monk fruit or allulose; consider adding a thickener such as guar gum if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
