This Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney is the ultimate sweet-and-spicy condiment your summer table has been waiting for! Bursting with tropical pineapple, fresh jalapeños, and the ideal touch of tanginess and warmth, it’s perfect for jazzing up everything from grilled meats to your favorite cheese platter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Sweet-Heat Combo: Each spoonful delivers juicy pineapple sweetness and bright jalapeño heat—a totally crave-worthy duo!
- Ridiculously Versatile: This chutney takes grilled chicken, burgers, tacos, or even basic cheese and crackers to the next level.
- Easy to Make Ahead: The flavors deepen as it sits, making it perfect for prepping in advance so your next gathering feels effortless.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the jalapeños to fit your spicy mood—mild to fiery, it’s always delicious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney couldn’t be simpler, but don’t let that fool you—they each play a starring role in the bright color, lively aroma, and irresistible balance of flavors. Here’s what brings this chutney to life:
- Fresh Pineapple: Choose a ripe, fragrant pineapple for juicy bursts of sweet flavor (pre-cut chunks work in a pinch!).
- Jalapeños: Remove seeds for moderate heat, or leave some in if you love the spice—use more or fewer to suit your preference.
- Red Onion: This adds gentle sharpness and gorgeous color contrast, rounding out the chutney’s flavor profile.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Gives the chutney its signature tang and helps everything stay bright and fresh.
- Brown Sugar: Adds deep, caramelly sweetness that balances the heat and acidity beautifully.
- Ground Ginger: Lends warmth and subtle zestiness, giving the chutney depth.
- Ground Cumin: A pinch of earthy cumin brings savory undertones and extra flavor dimension.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Just enough to make every ingredient sing—don’t skip them!
- Lime Juice (optional): A squeeze before serving adds lip-smacking brightness if you’re a citrus lover.
Variations
This Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney has a playful personality—so tweak away! It adapts beautifully to your favorite flavors, dietary preferences, or whatever you have on hand.
- Mango Swap: Substitute diced fresh or frozen mango for some (or all) of the pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in chopped cilantro or mint at the very end for an extra hit of freshness.
- Extra Crunch: Toss in a handful of toasted cashews or peanuts after cooling for even more texture.
- Make It Vegan: Use coconut sugar in place of brown sugar for a completely plant-based version with a hint of caramel.
How to Make Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney
Step 1: Prep the Produce
Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your fresh pineapple into bite-sized pieces. Mince the jalapeños (don’t forget to wear gloves if you’re sensitive!) and finely chop the red onion. A little extra care with your knife work makes every spoonful colorful and pretty.
Step 2: Combine Everything in the Pot
Place the pineapple, jalapeños, red onion, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, cumin, salt, and pepper into a medium saucepan. Give it all a good stir to coat the fruit and veggies evenly in the sweet and savory syrup you’re about to create.
Step 3: Simmer Gently
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Lower the heat and let it bubble away uncovered for about 35–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for the pineapple to soften and the mixture to become glossy and syrupy, but not mushy.
Step 4: Taste and Finish
Give your chutney a taste—add the optional lime juice for extra brightness if desired, or an extra pinch of salt to make all the flavors pop. Remove from heat and let cool; the chutney will thicken further as it sits.
Pro Tips for Making Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney
- Pineapple Perfection: Don’t skimp on ripeness—a fragrant, golden pineapple guarantees the sweetest, most flavorful chutney.
- Mind Your Jalapeños: For consistent heat, taste your jalapeños before adding, as spice can vary from one to the next.
- Syrupy, Not Soupy: Simmer uncovered so excess liquid evaporates, resulting in a thick, scoopable chutney instead of a watery one.
- Flavor Deepens Overnight: If time allows, let your Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney rest in the fridge overnight—the flavors meld and become even more irresistible!
How to Serve Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney
Garnishes
Add a shower of finely chopped fresh cilantro or a scattering of lime zest to your Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney right before serving—it adds color and a burst of freshness that pairs wonderfully with the sweet and spicy flavors.
Side Dishes
This chutney is made for sharing—serve it alongside grilled chicken or pork, spread it on burgers or veggie sandwiches, or let it shine on a cheese or charcuterie board where its tangy-sweet heat is a natural conversation starter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, pile your Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney atop crostini with creamy goat cheese, dollop onto mini tacos, or serve in small jars with personalized tags as memorable edible gifts for your spice-loving friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney in an airtight container in the refrigerator—its bold flavors only get better with time and it’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
Freezing
If you’d like to save some for later, portion the cooled chutney into freezer-safe jars or bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a stir before serving—the texture and flavor hold up beautifully!
Reheating
You can serve this chutney cold, at room temperature, or gently rewarmed in a saucepan over low heat if you prefer it slightly heated for serving with meats or roasted veggies.
FAQs
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How spicy is Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney?
It’s wonderfully balanced! Removing the jalapeño seeds gives mild heat. Leave some seeds for more kick, or use fewer jalapeños for less spice—the recipe is super flexible for every palate.
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Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes! While fresh pineapple has the best texture and brightness, well-drained canned pineapple (packed in juice, not syrup) works in a pinch. Just avoid crushed pineapple, which can turn mushy.
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Is this chutney gluten-free and vegan?
Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney is naturally gluten-free. For a vegan version, simply ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly or use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.
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How long does homemade chutney last?
Stored in the refrigerator, this chutney keeps for up to one week—just be sure it’s in a tightly sealed container! For longer storage, freeze for up to three months.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fall in love with your new go-to condiment, give this Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney a try! Whether you spoon it over grilled favorites or gift it to a friend, it’s bound to be a conversation-starter and a repeat recipe for years to come.
Print
Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney recipe combines the sweetness of fresh pineapple with the heat of jalapeños, creating a delicious and versatile condiment that pairs perfectly with various dishes.
Ingredients
Fresh Pineapple:
- 1 medium fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and diced
Jalapeños:
- 2–3 fresh jalapeños, seeded and minced (adjust for heat preference)
Red Onion:
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
Apple Cider Vinegar:
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Brown Sugar:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Ground Ginger:
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Ground Cumin:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt:
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Black Pepper:
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Lime Juice (Optional):
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (for extra tanginess)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Peel, core, and dice the fresh pineapple. Seed and mince the jalapeños. Finely chop the red onion.
- Cook the Chutney: In a saucepan, combine the pineapple, jalapeños, red onion, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ground ginger, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens, about 1 hour.
- Finish and Serve: If using, stir in the lime juice for extra tanginess. Allow the chutney to cool before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dishes!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 120 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
