A bold, vibrant condiment bursting with sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney is the perfect way to elevate any dish. Made with fresh pineapple, fiery jalapeños, and a medley of aromatic spices, this chutney works beautifully as a glaze, dip, or topping for everything from grilled meats to cheese platters.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chutney strikes a perfect balance of sweetness and heat, making it an exciting addition to a wide range of dishes. It’s simple to prepare and highly versatile—ideal for meal prep, hosting, or gifting. Whether you’re adding it to a sandwich, spooning it over roasted vegetables, or pairing it with crackers and cheese, this chutney brings flavor to the forefront with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust heat to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds, cooking until they begin to sizzle and pop.
2. Stir in the chopped red onion, garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped jalapeños and cook for an additional minute, stirring occasionally.
4. Mix in the diced pineapple, ground coriander, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and salt. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a glossy chutney consistency.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh cilantro.
7. Allow the chutney to cool completely before transferring it to a clean glass jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 1.5 to 2 cups of chutney.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add mango: Substitute half the pineapple with ripe mango for a tropical twist.
• Make it smokier: Add a touch of smoked paprika or a roasted jalapeño.
• Use dried spices: Replace fresh ginger with 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger if needed.
• Sweetener swap: Use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of brown sugar for a refined sugar-free version.
• Herb alternative: Use fresh mint or Thai basil instead of cilantro for a different herbal note.

storage/reheating

Store the chutney in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
For longer storage, freeze in small portions using ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers.
This chutney is served cold or at room temperature, and reheating is typically not required. If using as a glaze, it can be gently warmed in a saucepan before applying.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, but drain it well and reduce the sugar slightly, as canned pineapple is often sweeter.

How spicy is this chutney?

The heat level is moderate, but you can adjust it by using more or fewer jalapeños or removing the seeds.

Can I make this chutney ahead of time?

Absolutely—it’s actually better after a day or two as the flavors have time to develop.

What dishes pair well with this chutney?

It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, pork, cheese platters, roasted vegetables, or sandwiches.

Is this chutney suitable for canning?

This recipe is not developed for long-term shelf-stable canning. For safe canning, refer to tested recipes from reliable sources.

Can I omit the sugar?

You can reduce it, but a small amount is essential for balancing the heat and acidity.

How can I make it thicker?

Simmer longer with the lid off to reduce the liquid until the desired thickness is reached.

What type of vinegar should I use?

Apple cider vinegar provides a nice balance of acidity and flavor, but white vinegar can also be used.

Is this chutney vegan?

Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are plant-based.

Can I blend the chutney for a smoother texture?

Yes, blend lightly for a smoother, sauce-like consistency, or leave chunky for more texture.

Conclusion

Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney is a versatile and flavorful condiment that brings excitement to every bite. Whether used as a dip, glaze, or spread, this chutney offers the perfect mix of sweetness, acidity, and spice. With easy preparation and endless pairing options, it’s a standout addition to your culinary repertoire.

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