Ina Garten’s Cranberry Chutney is a delightful blend of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors that makes the perfect accompaniment to holiday meals. This chutney, made with fresh cranberries, apples, and a hint of orange zest, adds a festive touch to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table.

What is Ina Garten Cranberry Chutney?

Ina Garten’s Cranberry Chutney is a flavorful condiment made from fresh cranberries, apples, orange zest, and a blend of spices. Unlike traditional cranberry sauce, this chutney has a chunkier texture and a more complex flavor profile, thanks to the addition of savory spices like cinnamon and cloves. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a subtle warmth that makes it an ideal pairing for a variety of dishes.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Perfect for Holidays: This chutney adds a festive touch to your holiday table and pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or roast chicken.
Sweet and Tangy Flavor: The combination of cranberries, apples, and spices creates a balanced chutney that’s both sweet and tangy.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this chutney is easy to prepare, even on busy holiday mornings.
Versatile: While it’s a holiday favorite, this chutney is also great with cheese platters, sandwiches, or as a topping for grilled meats.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this chutney in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen over time.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Cranberry Chutney

1 (12-ounce) bag of fresh cranberries
1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced
1 orange, zested and juiced
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 cup of raisins
1/2 cup of water
1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
Pinch of salt

Equipment

Medium Saucepan: For cooking the chutney.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the chutney as it cooks.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: These are used to measure the ingredients accurately.
Zester: For zesting the orange.
Chef’s Knife: For dicing the apple.
Cutting Board: To prepare your ingredients.

Instructions to Make Ina Garten Cranberry Chutney

Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, diced apple, orange zest, orange juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, raisins, water, and apple cider vinegar.
Add Spices: Stir in the ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt.
Cook the Chutney: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will begin to pop, and the mixture will thicken as it cooks.
Check Consistency: Once the chutney has thickened and the fruit is tender, remove it from the heat. If the chutney is too thick, you can add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
Cool and Store: Allow the chutney to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate. The chutney can be served cold or at room temperature.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Cranberry Chutney

Roasted Turkey: A classic pairing for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
Ham: The sweet and tangy chutney complements the savory flavor of roasted ham.
Cheese Platter: Serve alongside a variety of cheeses, crackers, and nuts for a festive appetizer.
Sandwiches: Use as a spread in turkey or ham sandwiches for an extra layer of flavor.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Ina Garten Cranberry Chutney

Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best texture and flavor for this chutney.
Balance the Sweetness: Adjust the sugar to taste, depending on how sweet or tart you prefer your chutney.
Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the chutney as it simmers to avoid overcooking the cranberries and apples.
Make Ahead: This chutney can be made a few days in advance, which allows the flavors to meld and develop further.
Serve at Room Temperature: For the best flavor, let the chutney come to room temperature before serving.

Variations of Ina Garten Cranberry Chutney

Spicy Cranberry Chutney: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Nutty Cranberry Chutney: Stir in chopped toasted walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
Citrus Cranberry Chutney: Increase the amount of orange zest or add lemon zest for a brighter citrus flavor.
Herb-Infused Chutney: Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme while the chutney simmers for an herbal twist.
Cranberry-Apple Chutney: Increase the amount of diced apple for a more apple-forward chutney.

Storing Ina Garten Cranberry Chutney: Best Practices

Refrigerate Properly: Store the chutney in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freeze for Later: Cranberry chutney freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Ina Garten Cranberry Chutney: Best Practices

Serve Cold or Room Temperature: This chutney is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

How Can I Make Ina Garten Cranberry Chutney Healthier?

Reduce Sugar: Cut back on the sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup to reduce the overall sugar content.
Add More Fruit: Increase the amount of apples or add other fruits like pears to naturally sweeten the chutney.
Use Fresh Ginger: Swap the ground ginger for freshly grated ginger to enhance the flavor and add a health boost.
Skip the Salt: If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can omit the pinch of salt without compromising the flavor.
Choose Organic: Opt for organic cranberries, apples, and other ingredients to make the chutney healthier.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

Calories: 90
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 10mg
Total Carbohydrates: 23g
Sugars: 19g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 0g

FAQs

How do I prevent Ina Garten Cranberry Chutney from being too tart?

To prevent the chutney from being too tart, you can add more sugar or include sweeter fruits like apples or pears. Balancing the tartness with the right amount of sugar is key to achieving a well-rounded flavor.

Can I make Ina Garten Cranberry Chutney ahead of time?

Yes, cranberry chutney can be made ahead of time and actually improves in flavor as it sits. Prepare it a few days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

What dishes pair best with Ina Garten Cranberry Chutney?

Cranberry chutney pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, ham, pork tenderloin, cheese platters, and even as a spread for sandwiches. It’s a versatile condiment that adds a burst of flavor to many dishes.

Can I freeze Ina Garten Cranberry Chutney?

Yes, cranberry chutney freezes well. Simply store it in a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Cranberry Chutney is a delightful addition to any holiday spread, bringing a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors to your table. This versatile chutney pairs beautifully with roasted meats, cheese platters, and more, making it a must-have for festive gatherings. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this cranberry chutney is sure to become a holiday favorite. Don’t forget to share this delicious recipe with friends and family!

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