Festive Cranberry-Walnut Chutney
This delightful Festive Cranberry-Walnut Chutney is a vibrant addition to your holiday table. Inspired by Ina Garten's famous Thanksgiving special, this preserve captures the essence of the season with its perfect balance of tart cranberries, crisp Granny Smith apples, zesty citrus, and hearty nuts. Not only is it quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, but the combination of flavors brings a refreshing twist that elevates any main dish. Chill it afterward to serve as a cold condiment, offering a burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with roasted meats, sandwiches, or even a cheese platter. The rave reviews are a testimony to its deliciousness, making this chutney a must-try for your holiday gatherings.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Cranberries
12 ounces (Rinsed and drained)
Sugar
1 3/4 cups (None)
Granny Smith Apple
1 (Peeled, cored, and chopped)
Orange
1 (Juiced and zested)
Lemon
1 (Juiced and zested)
Raisins
3/4 cup (None)
Walnuts or Pecans
3/4 cup (Chopped)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, and 1 cup of water. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries start to pop open and the mixture begins to bubble, about 5 minutes.
2
Once the cranberries have popped, add the chopped Granny Smith apple, grated orange zest, orange juice, grated lemon zest, and lemon juice to the saucepan. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients.
3
Continue cooking the mixture for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4
After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat and gently fold in the raisins and your choice of walnuts or pecans.
5
Transfer the chutney to a serving bowl or airtight container and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop further.
6
Serve chilled or at room temperature, alongside your favorite holiday dishes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Cranberry-Walnut Chutney?
This is a vibrant fruit conserve featuring tart cranberries, crisp apples, citrus, and nuts, often served as a holiday condiment.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The preparation and cooking time combined is under 30 minutes, followed by at least 2 hours of chilling.
What type of cranberries should I use?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of fresh cranberries that have been rinsed and drained.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
While fresh is recommended, frozen cranberries can usually be substituted; just ensure they are thawed or adjust cooking time slightly.
Which type of apple is best for this chutney?
Granny Smith apples are recommended because their tartness and crisp texture hold up well during cooking.
How should the apple be prepared?
The apple should be peeled, cored, and chopped before being added to the saucepan.
Is this recipe inspired by any famous chefs?
Yes, this festive chutney is inspired by Ina Garten's famous Thanksgiving special.
Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?
Yes, you can use either chopped walnuts or pecans based on your preference.
What citrus fruits are needed?
You will need one orange and one lemon, both for their juice and their grated zest.
How do I know when the cranberries are ready in the first step?
Cook them over low to medium heat until they start to pop open and the mixture begins to bubble.
When do I add the raisins and nuts?
Add the raisins and nuts after the mixture has cooked for 15 minutes and has been removed from the heat.
Should the chutney be served hot?
It is best served chilled or at room temperature as a cold condiment.
How long should the chutney chill in the refrigerator?
It should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish offers a balance of tart cranberries, sweet sugar, zesty citrus, and hearty nuts.
Is this chutney suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is specifically described as a vibrant addition to a holiday table or Thanksgiving meal.
What main dishes pair well with this chutney?
It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, sandwiches, or even cheese platters.
How much sugar is required?
The recipe requires 1 3/4 cups of sugar.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Does the recipe require any water?
Yes, 1 cup of water is used to simmer the cranberries and sugar.
Is the texture of this chutney smooth or chunky?
The texture is chunky due to the whole cranberries, chopped apples, raisins, and nuts.
What is the cooking time for the second stage after adding apples?
The mixture should cook for an additional 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Can I make this chutney ahead of time?
Yes, making it ahead is recommended so it has time to chill and the flavors can fully develop.
What kind of container should I use for storage?
An airtight container is best for storing the chutney in the refrigerator.
Are there any specific tags for this recipe?
Tags include cranberry sauce, chutney, thanksgiving, holiday recipe, fruit conserve, and easy recipe.
How much raisins are needed?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of raisins.
Do I need to peel the lemon and orange?
No, you just need to grate the zest and extract the juice.
Is this a quick recipe?
Yes, it is described as a quick and easy recipe that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Can this be used as a spread for sandwiches?
Yes, it is an excellent condiment for holiday-themed sandwiches.
What is the first step in making the chutney?
The first step is combining cranberries, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan over low to medium heat.
How do I prevent the mixture from sticking?
Stir the mixture occasionally throughout the cooking process to prevent it from sticking to the saucepan.