Instant Pot Savory Apple Chutney
This Instant Pot savory apple chutney offers the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spiced flavors. It’s ready in 30 minutes and stores beautifully in the fridge!
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A chutney is a flavorful South Asian condiment that’s typically made by cooking fruits or vegetables with vinegar, sugar, and a variety of spices.
It’s sweet, tangy, and often a bit spicy, with a thick texture similar to your favorite jams.
This version uses apples and warm spices, perfect alongside hearty fall main dishes. It’s easier, too, since you can just let the Instant Pot do the work! 😋
How to Make Savory Apple Chutney in the Instant Pot
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Sauté Time: 5 to 7 minutes
Active Cook Time: 3 minutes (+ time to come to pressure)
Natural Release: 5 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4 to 6
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ medium red onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon whole cumin seeds
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon sugar-free garlic chili sauce
- 4 large apples, cored and peeled
- 1 large orange, peeled and chopped, with juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest, preferably organic
Instructions
Step 1: Select the Sauté function on the Instant Pot and adjust to the highest setting.
Step 2: Add the olive oil. Once hot, add the red onion, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cumin seeds, and salt. Stir to combine, then sauté occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent and the spices are fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Step 3: Pour in the apple cider vinegar and deglaze the pot by gently scraping the bottom with a spatula to loosen any browned bits.
Step 4: Add the honey, garlic chili sauce, apples, orange, and orange zest. Stir to combine, then turn the unit off.
Step 5: Cover and lock the lid in place. Flip the pressure valve to Sealing and select the Manual setting on high for three minutes.
Step 6: When the cook time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for five minutes. Next, carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure. Once the pin drops and no more steam escapes, remove the lid.
Step 7: Select the Sauté function again and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the excess liquid is reduced, about one to two minutes.
Step 8: Turn the unit off. Serve immediately or store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to one week.
What to Serve with this Instant Pot Savory Apple Chutney
- With roasted meats: Spoon this chutney over roasted pork, chicken, or turkey for a burst of sweet and tangy flavors.
- On a cheese board: Pair it with sharp cheddar, creamy brie, or tangy goat cheese, along with crackers or crusty bread. This works for year-round gatherings!
- As a sandwich spread: Spread a thin layer inside a grilled cheese, turkey sandwich, or even a veggie wrap. It adds a surprising depth of flavor without making the bread soggy.
- With grilled vegetables: Brush the chutney over veggies during the last minute of grilling so it caramelizes slightly without burning. You can also serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
Try more fall recipes. These simple fall dinner ideas include everything from baked casseroles to one-pot meals.
Tips for Making the Best Instant Pot Savory Apple Chutney
- Choose the right apples: Firm, slightly tart apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) hold their shape and give the chutney a nice balance of flavors. Softer apples will break down more quickly for a smoother texture. 🍎
- Deglaze for depth: When adding the vinegar, scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Those caramelized pieces add extra flavor to the chutney.
- Make it your own: Swap the orange juice for pineapple juice for a tropical note, or use pears instead of apples for a softer, milder chutney.
- Play with spice blends: This recipe works beautifully with garam masala, curry powder, or even smoked paprika for a different twist. Just add them with the other spices during the sauté step.
How to Store Your Homemade Savory Apple Chutney
Store your savory apple chutney in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. The flavors actually deepen over time, so it’s even better the next day.
You can also freeze it in small portions for up to three months. This way, you can thaw just what you need for a cheese board, sandwich, or dinner.
To thaw, let frozen chutney sit in the fridge overnight. This slow thaw helps keep the texture intact.
Helpful Extras for Prepping and Serving Savory Apple Chutney
- An airtight glass container is both practical and perfect for a lovely presentation on a cheese board or holiday table. You can also use it when keeping the chutney for yourself or gifting it to friends.
- Why not get a new wooden cheese board set, too? You can use it to display your chutney jar, cheeses, crackers, fruits, and other treats.
- If you like adding fresh herbs on top of your chutney for a pop of color and flavor, you need these herb scissors. You can also use them for your salads. 🌿
FAQs about This Instant Pot Savory Apple Chutney
What’s the difference between applesauce and apple chutney?
Applesauce is smooth, sweet, and usually made with just apples and sugar. Apple chutney, like in our recipe, is chunkier and combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with spices and vinegar for more complexity.
Can you use balsamic vinegar to make chutney?
Yes! Balsamic vinegar will give the chutney a deeper, slightly sweeter flavor. It’s a nice twist if you want something richer than apple cider vinegar.
What spices for apple chutney?
Aside from the cinnamon, cloves, and cumin in this recipe, you can also try cardamom, allspice, nutmeg, or mustard seeds. Each one will give your chutney a unique flavor profile.
Remember that this Instant Pot savory apple chutney isn’t just for parties and gifts. Since it keeps well in the fridge, you can grab a spoonful anytime you want to make an everyday meal feel a little more delicious and special. This is best served cold or at room temperature.
Ready to explore more dishes? Time to whip up something you’ve never made before:
- Instant Pot Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
- Pumpkin Pancakes
- Sweet Potato Bites
- Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Instant Pot Savory Apple Chutney
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 1x
Description
This Instant Pot savory apple chutney is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spiced flavors. It’s ready in 30 minutes and stores beautifully in the fridge!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 medium red onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon sugar-free garlic chili sauce
- 4 large apples, cored and peeled
- 1 large orange, peeled and chopped, with juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest, preferably organic
Instructions
- Select the Sauté function on the Instant Pot and adjust to the highest setting.
- Add the olive oil. Once hot, add the red onion, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cumin seeds, and salt. Stir to combine, then sauté occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent and the spices are fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Pour in the apple cider vinegar and deglaze the pot by gently scraping the bottom with a spatula to loosen any browned bits.
- Add the honey, garlic chili sauce, apples, orange, and orange zest. Stir to combine, then turn the unit off.
- Cover and lock the lid in place. Flip the pressure valve to Sealing and select the Manual setting on high for three minutes.
- When the cook time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for five minutes. Then, carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure. Once the pin drops and no more steam escapes, remove the lid.
- Select the Sauté function again and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the excess liquid is reduced, about one to two minutes.
- Turn the unit off. Serve immediately or store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Category: Condiments
