Pineapple Habanero Chutney

Name: Pineapple Habanero Chutney
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tsp olive oil; ⅓ cup red onion ((diced)); 2 habanero peppers (or milder chilis) ((diced)); 2 cloves garlic ((minced)); 2 cups fresh pineapple ((chopped)); 2 slices candied ginger (or 2 tsp. minced fresh ginger); ¼ cup pineapple juice ((drained from pineapple)); ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp ginger powder; 2 tbsp white wine vinegar; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1 tsp crushed red pepper; 4 whole cloves

Published: Sep 23, 2019 Updated: Jul 19, 2021 by Hilda Sterner | This post may contain affiliate links 4 Comments

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Spicy and sweet Pineapple Chutney, perfect to serve over meat, pizza, or as an exotic cream cheese topping to serve with crackers.

pineapple chutney with a pizza with chutney on the side

The Story Behind This Pineapple Chutney Recipe

In a recent post, I mentioned my friend, Kelly, who challenged me to duplicate her favorite Balsamic Vinegar Glaze. What I didn't expand on is that she also wanted me to duplicate another product; her favorite pineapple chutney.

This chutney is used as a pizza topping at a local pizza restaurant called Fire and Slice in Eureka, Montana. It's taken me a while to get around to it, but it's finally here!

This chutney is much spicier than the one used at Fire and Slice. While they most likely use Anaheim chilis, I went straight for the habaneros, which are my husband, Scott's favorite.

Of course, you can substitute Anaheim chilis or slightly spicier peppers like jalapeños or Serranos.

What Goes Into This Recipe

Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions

Habaneros — This chutney is meant to be spicy, the habaneros will make that happen. Use one, two, or more, if you really want your mouth on fire!
Pineapple — I like to use fresh pineapple in this chutney. However, in a pinch, canned pineapple can be used.
Ginger — I use a combination of fresh ginger, and ginger powder, and candied ginger. However, you can use whatever you have at home.

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1 | Sauté

Saute onion in oil for a few minutes, then add peppers and garlic. Sauté an additional minute or so.

Step 2 | Simmer

Add the remaining ingredients and mix to combine. Simmer, over low heat for approximately 20 minutes, or until the chutney reaches the desired consistency.

Step 3 | Store

Store in two 8 oz. jars or in one pint-sized jar. If you don't plan on storing the chutney in the fridge, be sure to sterilize the jars before filling and process them in boiling water for 10 minutes after filling.

Recipe FAQs

Is Chutney the Same as Relish?

Chutney and relish are very similar but not exactly the same. Relish is usually made with chopped or minced pickled vegetables, like cucumbers, for example.

Chutney, on the other hand, is usually made with fruit, a form of sweetener, and is heavily spiced.

The spice comes in the form of various spices like curry, cloves, cardamom, and allspice.

Then there's the heat, which is achieved by adding spicy chili peppers and pepper flakes. I add both, but if you want to make a milder version, you have my blessing!

Another difference between relish and chutney is that chutney is cooked for a longer period. This longer cooking time helps the mixture to reduce and thicken, similar to making jam, or a fruit reduction.

Is Chutney Served Hot or Cold?

Like jam, chutney can be served cold, for example, as a dipping sauce. Or it can be served hot over grilled meats.

You can also serve it warm over cream cheese or even better, goat cheese. You're the boss in your kitchen, so don't let rules stop you; Now go create!

What is Chutney Made of?

Chutney is an Indian savory or sometimes spicy condiment that's prepared with a mixture of any of the following ingredients: fruits, vegetables, herbs, tamarind, chilis, and spices.

Some common chutney flavors include mango, mint, onion, apple, tomato, and peach.

What to serve with Pineapple Chutney?

In Indian cuisine, chutney is served with curries, meats, samosas, and over rice. But let's not stop there. Just yesterday, I mixed some of this pineapple chutney with Scott's coleslaw salad and added some grilled and chopped chicken. He absolutely loved it!

But wait, I'm not done! What if in place of ketchup, you slather some chutney on your burger? Or load some on your pizza and stir some in your pasta? See how easy it is? Now it's your turn, how will you use this chutney?

Pro Tips

Chutney texture varies from chunky to diluted. They can be prepared with fresh fruits or veggies, similar to salsa. However, more often, chutney is cooked down with sugar and vinegar, forming a delicious syrupy glaze.
If the chutney becomes thicker than you'd like, add more water or juice until the desired consistency is reached.
Pulse the chutney with cream cheese to make a cheese spread that can be served with crackers. Or spread some on your favorite sandwich or grilled cheese.

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Pineapple Habanero Chutney

The Story Behind This Pineapple Chutney Recipe

What Goes Into This Recipe

Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions