Tomato Chutney

staples, summer, vegetarian, vegan
Indian
Yield: 20
Author: Katie Schenk
Tomato Chutney

Tomato Chutney

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 1 H & 15 MTotal time: 1 H & 30 M

A rich, gently spiced tomato chutney that balances sweetness, acidity, and warmth, adding a quietly luxurious depth to everything from cheese boards to roast meats and sandwiches.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
  • ¾ cup white wine vinegar
  • ¾ cup cane sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 small chilli pepper, finely diced
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ⅓ teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, optional

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook gently for 6-8 minutes until soft and translucent - not browned, just coaxed into submission.
  2. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. At this stage, everything should smell quietly impressive.
  3. Add the tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, salt, chilli, cinnamon, cloves, and mustard seeds. Stir well and bring the mixture to a lively simmer.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for 60-75 minutes, stirring occasionally at first, then more frequently as it thickens. The goal is a glossy, jammy consistency - thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon, but not stiff or dry.
  5. Once reduced, stir in the balsamic vinegar if using. It adds a subtle richness that makes people pause mid-bite and wonder why it tastes better than expected.
  6. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly before transferring to clean jars.
  7. Stored in a sealed jar in the fridge, it will keep happily for 2-3 weeks. Longer if properly sterilised and processed, though in most households it tends to disappear long before that becomes relevant.

Costs

Total Cost: $5.03

Cost per Serving: $0.25

Costs calculated in April 2026 in Cleveland, USA using ingredients from Aldi, with the exception of oil, sugar, mustard seed, and cloves from Thrive Market, and salt from Whole Foods

Nutrition Facts

Calories

50

Fat

1 g

Sat. Fat

0 g

Carbs

10 g

Fiber

1 g

Net carbs

10 g

Sugar

9 g

Protein

1 g

Sodium

120 mg

Cholesterol

0 mg

Nutritional information is an estimate only, and depends on the ingredients you use.

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