Sweet Mango Chutney aka Ginger Mango Chutney

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Chutney is simple and easy to make and a great way to enjoy mangoes in season. This sweet mango chutney has ginger and warm spices of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Also, it takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. And, you can add it to your favorite meat or roast to enhance the flavor. This ginger mango chutney is also the best sandwich spread you will ever taste.

If you love chutney, then you will agree that a good chutney can be addictive. As a kid, my mom had to hide chutney or pickles from me. I love chutney so much I could eat a whole jar of mom's sweet or spicy mango chutney.

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What is chutney?

The word chutney is Indian (pronounced as chatni) and it means 'strongly spiced'. It is usually a fruit or mixture of fruits in warm spices, cooked with sugar (or jaggery) and an acid, like vinegar. Chutney may be sweet, spicy or a combination of the two. You can have a sweet chutney, very similar to jam, but strongly spiced. 
There are very blurry lines when it comes to distinctions between Indian chutney, pickles, and relishes.

Traditional mango chutney

This recipe is similar to an Indian mango chunda recipe. I say similar because the traditional mango chunda was cooked in the sun, not on a stovetop. Mango, sugar, and spices were placed in an earthen pot and left out in the sun every morning till dusk. This was done every day until all the sugar melted and thickened. The process was long and slow and required a great deal of patience and care. Our grandmoms had all that patience and care. Didn't they?

What does sweet mango chutney taste like?

The basic tase of this comes from the type of mangoes you use. I like to use a nice semi-ripe mango that's firm and still has that raw tart taste to it. The mango is combined with the pungent taste of ginger-infused with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. So, essentially you have a sweet, sour, spicy yet mild burst of flavors. 

How long does it take to make mango chutney?

Hard to believe but this mango chutney takes only about 30 minutes to cook and less than 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients. 

How to use this chutney?

There is really no right or wrong way to using a good mango chutney. 

• A good chutney makes the best sandwich spread. 
• Serve it with meat such as chicken, lamb, or pork. Try a chicken roast sandwich with mango chutney as the spread. Or brush mango chutney over boneless chicken breast and bake until it is moist and tender.  
• Mango chutney and cheese is a classic combination that never fails. Try a cream cheese such as brie using mango chutney as a spread on bread before you toast it. 

Ingredients and substitutes

• Mangoes - I use firm mangoes that are semi-ripe. I find raw mangoes are quite sour while the ripe mangoes are sweet and also tend to become smooth.
• Ginger - Fresh is the way to go. Mango and ginger are an old classic combination that works perfectly every single time.
• Cinnamon - I highly recommend using a whole stick rather than powder. We want the flavor not the taste of cinnamon.
• Cloves, cardamom - It's best to use whole spices. And yet, if you must, use just a pinch of the powder instead.
• Star anise - Use a whole spice or omit it. Do not use the powder as star anise can be fairly strong.

How to prepare mangoes for this chutney?

• Use large firm semi-ripe mangoes.
• Peel the mangoes with a peeler.

• Grate the mangoes using the large side of the grater.

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Step by step instructions (Save/pin)

• Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.

• Cook on medium-low for 25 to 30 minutes.
• The sugar will melt and become thick and syrupy at first.

• Then the mixture will reduce to almost half.

• Remove from the heat.
• Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
• Then store in sterilized jars.

Storage 

• I always refrigerate my chutneys. 
• This mango chutney will last in the fridge sealed for 3 months.
• Once opened, use it without four weeks.
• If you store the chutney in sterilized jars, using the canning process, you can store it at room temperature for 12 to 14 months in a cool dry place in the pantry.

Canning Process (optional)

Note: This chutney is prepared like a condiment without any perishable ingredients like onions or garlic which makes it possible to preserve it using a canning process.

• Place a rack on the bottom of a large stockpot. 
• Half fill the pot with water 
• Pour the chutney into the hot sterilized jar as explained above and close the lid
• Bring the water in the pot to a boil on high heat.
• Lower the jars over the rack leaving enough space between the jas. 
• The level of water should be at least an inch above the top of the jars. So if necessary pour more boiling water. 
• Bring the water to a boil again. Cover the pot and process for 15 minutes 
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place them on a kitchen towel to absorb any excess moisture. 
• Let cool completely. 
• Press the top of the lid to ensure the seal is tight – the lid should not move at all. 
• Store in a cool dry place.

Frequently asked questions 

Can I make this mango chutney more spicy?

yes, in fact, I do have a spicy mango chutney that absolutely delicious

What is the difference between a chutney and a pickle? 

Pickle is usually a vegetable preserved in brine or flavored oil. But in India, both chutneys and pickles often use the same method of cooking fruit or vegetable with vinegar. It is said that chutney is made with pieces of fruit or vegetables while a pickle is made with the whole vegetable. However, I have often made a pickle with cut vegetables and fruits so that's up for debate as far as I'm concerned. You can also try my eggplant pickle - Indian Eggplant Relish - Brinjal Pickle.

What is the difference between a relish and a chutney? 

A relish is made with grated or cut vegetables while the chutney is made with grated or cut fruits. They can be sweet, spicy or both.

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