Pear Chutney is created with a delicious blend of fresh, seasonal pears and spices like cinnamon and cloves with just a hint of heat from chili pepper. It’s a sweet and savory condiment or topping that pairs perfectly with roasted meats like pork and chicken, but can also be enjoyed in many other ways, such as on crostini, burgers and sandwiches, as well.
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Pears are often an over-looked fall fruit, hiding in the shadows of apples and even pumpkins, but they really are an excellent ingredient in both sweet and savory recipes.
This Pear Chutney actually checks both boxes. It’s sweet from the pears, brown sugar and raisins, with a savory element added from the addition of apple cider vinegar, shallots and ginger.
Mix in some spiciness from a fresh chili pepper and warm seasonings like cinnamon and cloves and this is one recipe that is sure to excite your taste buds!
Our love for chutney doesn’t stop at pears. Be sure to check out our other recipes for Peach Chutney, which is delicious in the summer on grilled meats and Mango Chutney, a staple to enjoy with Indian recipes such as Vegetable Samosas and Chicken Biryani.
Why This Recipe Works
Chutney is unique in that it’s both a sweet and savory condiment which makes it very versatile in the ways that you can use it. It’s equally as delicious on a burger as it is baked into Puff Pastry Cups.
It’s an easy recipe to make. After a little prep work, everything is simmered together until tender and thickened.
This recipe is easily customizable. You can omit the chili pepper for a milder version, leave out the raisins in you’re not a fan, make it spicier, mix in some other fruits or even add more brown sugar to make it sweeter.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 red chili pepper (minced): you can substitute 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper or omit for a mild chutney.
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger (peeled and minced or grated)
- 1 small shallot (minced)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (or ground allspice)
- 2 cups fresh pears (peeled and diced, from about 3-4 average size pears): it’s best to use fresh pears for this recipe rather than canned pears which are already very tender. Because this recipe simmers for quite a while, canned pears may fall apart completely before the chutney is done cooking. Bosc, Anjou or Bartlett pears work great in this recipe.
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.
Prep!
Peel and dice the pears.
Mince the red chili pepper, shallot and ginger.
Create!
Add the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, chili pepper, ginger, shallot, cinnamon stick and cloves to a medium pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil, swirling the pot a few times, as needed, until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Add the pears and raisins. Cover and lower the heat to simmer.
Continue to cook until the pears are fork tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Uncover and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 15-20 minutes longer.
Present!
Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.
Pear chutney can be served warm or chilled.
Tips and Techniques
- Use fresh, ripe pears for the best flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 2 weeks for best results.
What To Serve With Pear Chutney
Pear Chutney can be used in an endless amount of ways. Some suggestions to pair this delicious chutney with are:
- Grilled or roasted meats like pork, chicken and beef
- Burgers of all types
- Grilled cheese, maybe even with bacon added too
- Lunch meat sandwiches or subs
- Crostini with cheeses like cream cheese or goat cheese and nuts
- Baked into puff pastry cups
- Swirled into oatmeal
- Roasted fall vegetables like brussels sprouts, butternut squash and sweet potatoes
- Bread, toast or naan
FAQ’s
Can You Freeze Pear Chutney?
Yes, peach chutney can be frozen for up to 3 months for later use.
Can You Can Pear Chutney?
Yes, if you are familiar with canning, you can absolutely can pear chutney.
How Long Will Pear Chutney Last In The Refrigerator?
Peach chutney will last up to two weeks in the refrigerator if kept in an airtight container.
More Fall Dessert Recipes
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Pear Chutney
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 red chili pepper (minced, or 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper)
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger (peeled and minced or grated)
- 1 small shallot (minced)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (or ground allspice)
- 2 cups fresh pears Bosc, Anjou or Bartlett, peeled and diced from about 3-4 average size pears)
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
Instructions
- Add the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, chili pepper, ginger, shallot, cinnamon stick and cloves to a medium pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil, swirling the pot a few times, as needed, until the sugar is fully dissolved.1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 red chili pepper, 1 inch piece fresh ginger, 1 small shallot, 1 cinnamon stick, 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- Add the pears and raisins. Cover and lower the heat to simmer.2 cups fresh pears, 1/2 cup golden raisins
- Continue to cook until the pears are fork tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Uncover and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 15-20 minutes longer.
- Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.
- Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
Tips and Techniques
- Use fresh, ripe pears for the best flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 2 weeks for best results.
- Chutney can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- This recipe can be canned, if you are familiar with canning techniques.
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