Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney: A Sweet & Spicy Must-Try!

this RECIPE

If you’re looking to add a little sweet heat to your meals, this Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney is a game-changer. It’s a bold, tangy, and slightly fiery condiment that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, cheese boards, or even as a dip for crispy tortilla chips. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be finding excuses to put it on everything!

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney

• Sweet & Spicy Balance – The natural sweetness of pineapple perfectly complements the heat of jalapeños.
• Versatile – Use it as a glaze for grilled chicken, a topping for burgers, or a side with your favorite charcuterie board.
• Easy to Make – Just chop, simmer, and enjoy!
• Great for Meal Prep – Make a batch and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Ingredients

• 1 medium fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 2-3 fresh jalapeños, seeded and minced (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 tablespoon lime juice (for extra tanginess)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Start by peeling and dicing the pineapple, mincing the jalapeños (leave in some seeds if you want more heat), and finely chopping the red onion.

2. Cook the Chutney

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced pineapple, minced jalapeños, chopped red onion, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ground ginger, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.

3. Let It Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pineapple softens and the chutney thickens slightly.

4. Adjust the Flavor

Taste your chutney and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like a little extra zing, stir in a tablespoon of fresh lime juice.

5. Cool & Store

Remove from heat and allow the chutney to cool slightly. Transfer it to a clean jar or airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

• Heat Level: Adjust jalapeño quantity based on your spice tolerance.
• Consistency: If you prefer a smoother chutney, blend it lightly after cooking.
• Serving Ideas: Try it with grilled meats, tacos, or even as a burger topping!

Helpful Tips

Spice Level Control: Want it fiery? Keep some jalapeño seeds. Prefer mild? Remove all seeds before mincing.

Balance the Sweetness: If your pineapple is extra ripe and sweet, reduce the brown sugar slightly to keep the flavors balanced.

For a Thicker Chutney: Let it simmer a little longer, or mash some of the pineapple pieces as it cooks.

Enhance the Depth of Flavor: Try adding a splash of orange juice or a pinch of cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth.

Serving Temperature Matters: This chutney is delicious warm, but letting it cool enhances the flavors even more—try both and see what you love!

Quick Cooling Hack: If you’re in a hurry, spread the chutney on a baking sheet to cool it faster before transferring it to a jar.

Conservation and Storage

Refrigerator: Store your Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney in an airtight container or sterilized glass jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. The flavors actually get better after a day or two as they meld together!

Freezer: Want to keep it longer? Freeze in small, portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature.

Canning Option: If you’d like to preserve it for months, use proper canning techniques—sterilize your jars, fill them with hot chutney, and process them in a water bath canner. This way, your chutney will last up to a year!

Avoid Contamination: Always use a clean spoon when scooping out chutney to keep it fresh and prevent spoilage.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Freeze in small portions for up to 3 months. Thaw before using.
• Canning Option: Sterilize jars and use proper canning techniques for longer storage.

Substitutions and Variations

No Pineapple? Try mango or peaches for a different flavor.
No Brown Sugar? Swap with honey or maple syrup.
Love Garlic? Add a minced clove for a savory kick.
Extra Smoky? Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How spicy is this chutney?
A: It has a mild to moderate kick, but you can easily adjust the heat. Want it hotter? Keep some jalapeño seeds. Prefer milder? Use just one jalapeño and remove all seeds.

Q: Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
A: Fresh pineapple gives the best flavor, but canned pineapple (in juice, not syrup) works too—just be sure to drain it well before using.

Q: How long does this chutney last?
A: It stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months or use proper canning methods.

Q: Can I make this chutney ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, the flavors deepen after a day or two, making it even better.

Q: What’s the best way to serve this chutney?
A: It’s super versatile! Try it with grilled meats, tacos, burgers, cheese boards, or even as a dip with tortilla chips.

Q: Can I make this without sugar?
A: Yes! You can swap brown sugar for honey, maple syrup, or a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit.

Q: How do I thicken my chutney if it’s too runny?
A: Let it simmer longer to evaporate excess liquid, or mash some of the pineapple pieces while cooking.

Conclusion

This Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney is a quick, easy way to add a burst of flavor to your meals. Whether you love sweet-heat combos or are just looking for a fun new condiment, this recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to! Let me know how you use it in the comments. Happy cooking!

This Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors. Whether you’re spicing up your favorite dishes or gifting it to a foodie friend, this chutney will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and let me know how you use it!

Looking for more sweet and spicy recipes? Check out my Sweet & Spicy Mango Salsa for another flavor-packed treat!

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