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Persons hands chopping up pears on a wooden board, Another yellow handled knife, an egg in foreground on wooden work surface

Pear Chutney Recipe

Do you love the taste of pears? If you do, then you're going to love this easy pear chutney recipe. This is a great way to preserve pears and enjoy their delicious flavour all year round.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine British
Servings 45
Calories 63 kcal

Equipment

  • Kitchen scales
  • Chopping board and knife
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Large saucepan
  • Long-handled spoon for stirring
  • Ladle
  • Jam Funnel
  • Clean, sterilised glass jars with sealable lids

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kg pears
  • 400 g red onions or shallots
  • 2 medium cooking apples
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 550 ml apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 400 g brown sugar
  • 40 g raisins/sultanas (or a bit of both!)
  • 40 g currants
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ⅓ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 pinches ground cloves
  • 1 tsp red chilli flakes
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Wash, drain, peel and core the pears and the apples. Chop them into roughly equal-sized chunks, so that they can cook evenly.
  • Peel and dice the onions. Peel and chop up the garlic clove.
  • In a large saucepan, combine the pears, apples, onion, garlic, vinegar, brown sugar, raisins, currants, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt and chilli flakes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  • Bring to a boil over medium heat. Then, reduce the heat and simmer steadily while the fruit softens and the mixture thickens. This can take between 1-2 hours. Stir regularly to prevent burning.
  • Once you can draw the spoon through the chutney along the bottom of the pan and leave a clear trail, it is done.
  • Take off the heat and let it stand for 1-2 minutes. Using the ladle and jam funnel, fill your clean sterile jars with the chutney. Then wipe the rims and jars, and seal them with lids. Set aside to cool at room temperature, overnight.
  • The next day, label and store in a cool, dark place.
  • Leave the chutney to mature and for the flavours to mellow for 4 weeks (or longer) to enjoy it at its best. Use the chutney within 6-9 months. ( You can also freeze this chutney where it can last for up to 12 months.)
    Refrigerate once opened.

Notes

TIPS for Making Pear Chutney

  • Always use firm ripe pears for the best results. In contrast to pear jam preserves, when under-ripe pears can be preferred to support reaching a set consistency and limit the mixture from becoming mush too soon, here you want the top flavour to stand alongside the other strong flavouring so that the pear taste can be the star.
  • Make sure you have a large preserving pan to mix everything in, as the chutney can bubble up while cooking and for ease of stirring.
  • Let the chutney mature before eating it as this will allow the flavours to blend and mellow making for a much more enjoyable taste experience.

Flavour options for this chutney

1. Try a vanilla pod or some vanilla extract for an aromatic softening note.
2. Get more exotic with spices and 2-3 star anise or 4 crushed cardamom pods for distinctive flavouring. Or turn up the heat with your favourite hot fresh chilli.
3. Stir in some chopped almonds, pecans or walnuts ( around 40g) for texture and nuttiness.
4. Select some other dried fruits such as a handful of dried cranberries or chopped apricots for fruity goodness and texture.
5. Add some lemon juice +/- the zest for a fresher taste to balance the sweetness.
6. Stir in some chopped fresh rosemary or thyme for herby deliciousness.
 

Some way you could use this pear preserve

  • Serve as a condiment with roasted meats or poultry.
  • Serve with or part of grilled cheese sandwiches or panini.
  • Mix with yoghurt to serve as a dip for chips or crackers.
  • Use as a glaze for pork or ham. Or stir through steamed vegetables, pasta or rice to elevate them.
  • Stir into softened cream cheese for a delicious spread.

Nutrition

Calories: 63kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 0.3gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.04gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.02gSodium: 58mgPotassium: 85mgFiber: 1gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 24IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.2mg
Nutritional Disclaimer

All nutritional information is an estimate only, based on third-party calculations derived from an online nutritional calculator, Spoonacular API. The data provided is a courtesy and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use, your measuring methods and portion sizes. For accurate results, we recommend that you calculate the nutritional information yourself, using a preferred nutritional calculator or advice from a nutritionist, based on your ingredients and individual processes.

Keyword pear chutney
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