Plum chutney is stealing the spotlight this season and for good reason! This sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy condiment is making waves on social media and showing up on everything from cheese boards to grilled meats.
If you’re a seasoned cook or just love trying new flavors, plum chutney is a must-have in your kitchen right now.
With juicy plums in peak season, it’s the perfect time to whip up a batch at home. Even celebrities and top chefs are sharing their own twists on this flavorful favorite, adding to its growing popularity.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what’s trending, share a simple recipe, and give you fun tips to spice things up. Get ready to fall in love with plum chutney all over again!
What Is Plum Chutney and Why Is It So Loved?
Plum chutney is a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy condiment made with fresh plums, vinegar, sugar, and warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, or chili. It’s cooked down into a thick, jam-like sauce that packs a punch of flavor in every bite.
What makes it so special? Its rich, fruity taste pairs perfectly with both savory and sweet dishes. People love it on cheese boards, spread in sandwiches, or served with roast meats.
It can also jazz up plain rice or grilled veggies with ease. Plum chutney is versatile, easy to make at home, and a fun way to enjoy seasonal fruit.
If you prefer it smooth or chunky, mild or fiery, it always brings a bold, delicious twist to any meal.
What You Need to Make the Perfect Plum Chutney
If you’re ready to whip up a flavorful jar of plum chutney, here’s what you’ll need. This recipe sticks to classic pantry ingredients and ripe, juicy plums to give you that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spiced goodness.
Ingredients ListFor the Base:
For the Spice Blend:
Optional Flavor Enhancers:
|
Recipe Notes
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 25 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45-60 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 25 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Yield | 4 cups (8 half-pint jars) |
| Storage | 1 year sealed, 1 month opened |
| Course | Condiment/Preserve |
| Cuisine | British/Indian Fusion |
How to Make Classic Plum Chutney (Step-by-Step)
Making plum chutney at home is simpler than it sounds! With fresh plums and a few pantry spices, you can create a deliciously tangy-sweet chutney perfect for toast, meats, or cheese platters.
Follow these easy steps to bring this seasonal favorite to life.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Begin by thoroughly washing the plums, then pit and chop them into small chunks. Finely dice the red onion and garlic, grate the fresh ginger, and slice the chili if you’re using it. Measure out your brown sugar, vinegar, and spices.
Having everything ready before you start cooking helps the process flow smoothly and ensures you don’t miss any ingredients.
Pro Tip: Use slightly overripe plums for more natural sweetness and deeper flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, ginger, and chili.
Cook them gently for about 5–7 minutes, stirring often. You want the onions to soften and become slightly golden, not browned. This step builds the base flavor and gives your chutney a sweet, aromatic depth.
Pro Tip: Don’t rush this step slow-cooked onions bring out a mellow sweetness that balances the tart plums perfectly.
Step 3: Add Plums and Spices
Stir in the chopped plums, then add the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, salt, and raisins if you’re using them. Mix everything well until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble gently.
This is where all the ingredients begin to blend and create that classic chutney flavor that’s sweet, sour, and spicy all in one bite.
Pro Tip: Taste the mix before simmering if it’s too tangy, add a bit more sugar; too sweet, add a splash more vinegar.
Step 4: Simmer and Stir
Turn the heat to low and let the chutney simmer uncovered for 40–50 minutes. Stir every 5–10 minutes to prevent sticking or burning.
The mixture will reduce and thicken into a jam-like consistency as the plums break down. It’s done when most of the liquid is gone, and the chutney has a rich, glossy look.
Pro Tip: Drag a spoon across the bottom of the pan if it leaves a clear trail, your chutney is ready!
Step 5: Cool and Store
Take the chutney off the heat and allow it to cool for 10–15 minutes. While still warm, spoon it into clean, sterilized jars and seal them tightly.
Once fully cooled, store in the refrigerator. The chutney will keep for up to three weeks, and the flavor actually improves after a couple of days.
Pro Tip: Label your jars with the date chutney makes a great gift when you know how fresh it is!
Nutrition Facts Table
While plum chutney is all about flavor, it’s also helpful to know what you’re eating, especially if you’re watching your sugar or sodium intake.
| Nutrition Information | Per 2 Tablespoons |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45 |
| Sugar | 11g |
| Sodium | 85mg |
| Carbs | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Vitamin C | 8% DV |
| Antioxidants | High |
| Fat | 0g |
Note: Values vary based on specific ingredients and cooking time. Plums provide excellent antioxidants and vitamin C!
Celebrity Plum Chutney Recipes
Plum chutney isn’t just a hit in home kitchens, it’s been spotted in celebrity cookbooks and social media feeds too.
Chefs and stars alike are putting their own spin on this tangy favorite, giving it a new level of gourmet charm.
One standout this year is Nigella Lawson’s spiced plum chutney, which she shared on her Instagram with a charming note about pairing it with blue cheese and roast duck.
Meanwhile, Padma Lakshmi recently featured a South Indian-style plum chutney on her food series, using mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies to bring a bold, smoky twist to the table.
Even actor-turned-baker Stanley Tucci gave chutney a moment by mentioning it in an interview as his go-to holiday condiment, especially when paired with baked ham or soft goat cheese.
How to Store and Serve Plum Chutney Like a Pro
Once your plum chutney is cooked to perfection, it’s important to store it the right way to keep it fresh and enjoy it in all the best ways. Below are quick tips for both storing and serving your homemade batch.
- Jar it warm: Pour the chutney into clean, sterilized glass jars while it’s still warm.
- Seal and cool: Close the jars tightly and let them cool completely at room temperature.
- Refrigerate: Store the cooled jars in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
- Freeze for later: Freeze in small airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Label jars: Always write the date on your jars for easy tracking.
Pro Tip: Let the chutney sit for at least 2–3 days before using, which gives the flavors time to deepen and mellow beautifully.
Delicious Variations of Plum Chutney to Try
Classic plum chutney is amazing on its own, but it’s also one of those recipes you can easily tweak to fit your flavor cravings. If you’re aiming for bold spice, fruity sweetness, or something sugar-free, there’s a version for you.
1. Spicy Plum Chutney
If you’re a fan of heat, this version brings the fire. Add extra red chili, a dash of cayenne pepper, or finely chopped jalapeños to your chutney.
The spicy kick cuts through the sweetness and pairs especially well with grilled meats, burgers, or cheese boards. It’s bold, exciting, and a great way to turn up the flavor without much extra effort.
2. Indian Inspired Plum Chutney
For an earthy, savory twist, add classic Indian spices like mustard seeds, cumin, turmeric, and curry leaves. Fry the spices in oil before mixing them into unlock deeper aromas.
Swap the vinegar for lemon juice to keep it bright and zesty. This variation tastes amazing with samosas, rice dishes, or naan and brings a warm, homemade feel to every bite.
3. Sugar-Free Plum Chutney
Want all the flavor without the added sugar? Try a sugar-free version using natural alternatives like stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or apple juice concentrate.
The chutney still delivers that rich tang and texture, but in a lighter, healthier way. It’s a great choice for those with dietary restrictions or anyone trying to cut back on processed sugar.
4. Ginger-Plum Chutney
This version is bursting with warmth and zing. Add a generous amount of freshly grated ginger for a bold, peppery note, or toss in some chopped crystallized ginger for added sweetness and texture.
It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, grilled tofu, or even rice bowls. Ginger lovers will appreciate the extra kick it brings to each spoonful.
What’s New and Trending with Plum Chutney?
Plum chutney is trending this year, and it’s not just for fancy dinners anymore. With fresh plums in season, people are making small batches at home and sharing their results online.
On Instagram and TikTok, short videos of homemade chutney being spread on toast or spooned onto cheese boards are getting thousands of views.
Many home cooks are using overripe or ugly plums to reduce food waste, which fits right into the growing interest in sustainable cooking.
Others are getting creative by mixing plum chutney into salad dressings, dipping sauces, or even breakfast wraps.
Farmer’s markets are also joining in, with some offering chutney jar swaps and tastings. It’s clear that this sweet and tangy condiment has become a summer favorite, and people are loving its bold flavor and versatility in everyday meals.
Final Thoughts on Plum Chutney
Plum chutney is more than just a simple preserve it’s a flavorful, flexible, and fun addition to your kitchen.
Enjoy it sweet or spicy, chunky or smooth; there’s a version for everyone. It’s easy to make, stores well, and adds a bold taste to meats, sandwiches, cheese boards, and more.
With plums in season and chutney trending in food circles, now is the perfect time to try it yourself.
From classic recipes to creative twists, plum chutney lets you play with flavors and make something truly your own. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce waste by using ripe fruit and turning it into something delicious.
So grab some plums, get cooking, and enjoy the sweet and tangy goodness of homemade chutney. It might just become your new favorite condiment!
