Are you tired of the same old sides with your holiday ham? This vibrant chutney is the perfect complement, adding a burst of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor that elevates your ham to a whole new level. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and time, yet delivers maximum flavor impact. Perfect for a quick dinner idea or a special occasion, this chutney recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! This homemade cooking adventure promises delicious dishes that are surprisingly healthy meals. Let's get started on this best recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Peppers and Cranberries
Add the bell peppers and cranberries to the saucepan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers have softened slightly.
Step 3: Simmer the Chutney
Stir in the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chutney has thickened and the cranberries have burst. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Remove the chutney from the heat and let it cool completely. The flavors will meld beautifully as it cools. This chutney is delicious served at room temperature with your ham.
Cooking Tips:
- Adjust the spice: If you prefer a milder chutney, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For extra heat, add more!
- Fresh or dried cranberries: Both work well in this recipe. If using dried cranberries, they may require a little more cooking time to soften.
- Make it ahead: This chutney tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead recipe for busy cooks. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Serving suggestions: This versatile chutney pairs beautifully not only with ham but also with turkey, pork, chicken, and even cheese and crackers.
Variations:
- Apple Chutney: Add 1/2 cup of diced apples along with the bell peppers.
- Fig Chutney: Substitute 1 cup of chopped fresh figs for the cranberries.
- Spicy Chutney: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 5-7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 2-3g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy recipe provides a healthy and flavorful addition to your next meal. Enjoy!