Name: Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 medium fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and diced; 2-3 fresh jalapeños, seeded and minced (adjust for heat preference); 1 small red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Optional: 1 tablespoon lime juice (for extra tanginess)

Jump to Recipe

Bright, sweet, and just the right amount of fiery, Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney is a flavor-packed spread that will have your taste buds dancing from the very first bite. This vibrant condiment fuses the sunny essence of fresh pineapple with the unmistakable heat of jalapeños, creating a perfectly balanced sweet-and-spicy bite that transforms even the simplest meal into something special. Whether you’re dolloping it on grilled chicken, spooning it onto a cheese board, or slathering it on a sandwich, this chutney brings a cheerful kick of tropical flair that totally elevates any occasion.

Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can whip up a jar of Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney that’s utterly bursting with color and bold personality. Each component plays a crucial role, layering sweet, tangy, zesty, and savory notes in every spoonful.

Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is the star here, providing juicy sweetness and a bright, succulent texture that forms the base of the chutney.
Jalapeños: These peppers allow you to dial the heat up or down to your liking, infusing every bite with a lively, peppery warmth.
Red onion: Adds a mild bite and a pretty color contrast, plus hints of aromatic sharpness that round out the flavors.
Apple cider vinegar: Delivers tangy acidity, balancing out the sweetness and enhancing the chutney’s preservation.
Brown sugar: Lends caramel-like depth and just enough sugary richness to complement the fruit and spices.
Ground ginger: Infuses an earthy, warming note that perks up both pineapple and jalapeño.
Ground cumin: Adds a subtle smokiness and a savory backnote that keeps the chutney from being one-dimensional.
Salt: Essential for rounding out the flavors, making every other ingredient pop just a little bit more.
Black pepper: Gives a gentle kick and complexity without overwhelming the other flavors.
Lime juice (optional): Squeeze in some fresh lime at the end for an extra pop of zesty tang, if you like things really juicy and bright.

How to Make Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start your chutney adventure by peeling, coring, and dicing your fresh pineapple into neat little cubes. Next, slice the jalapeños in half, scoop out the seeds (if you want less heat), and mince them finely—gloves are a great idea here! Finely chop your red onion as well; this sets the stage for a balanced chop in every bite.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, add all your prepared pineapple, minced jalapeños, and chopped red onion. Pour in the apple cider vinegar and the brown sugar, then sprinkle in the ground ginger, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir, blending those bold flavors together before the cooking magic begins.

Step 3: Cook the Chutney

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the pineapple softening up, the chutney thickening, and incredible aromas filling your kitchen. This is where the flavors meld and intensify beautifully!

Step 4: Adjust Flavor

Once the chutney has thickened and the pineapple is tender, grab a spoon and taste. If you crave a sharper tang, add that optional tablespoon of lime juice now. Adjust the salt or sweetness as needed—this is your moment to make the Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney truly your own.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Take the chutney off the heat and let it cool for a bit in the saucepan. When it reaches room temperature, transfer it to a clean jar or storage container. Pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy; the flavors will develop and deepen even more as it chills.

Step 6: Enjoy

Spread, spoon, or dip to your heart’s content! Whether it’s jazzing up grilled meats, perking up your cheese platter, or serving as a zesty dip, this chutney is destined to become your new favorite go-to.

How to Serve Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney

Garnishes

Give your Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney a fresh and fancy touch with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, minced chives, or extra slices of jalapeño on top. A lime wedge on the side amps up the visual flair and brightens every bite—you can even dust it with a pinch of smoked paprika for a gorgeous pop of color!

Side Dishes

This chutney is sensational alongside all kinds of mains: spoon it over grilled chicken, fish, or pork for a fruity kick, or serve with roasted veggies. For a simple snack, offer it with crunchy tortilla chips or warm naan bread. It makes a fabulous companion to a creamy cheese platter or charcuterie board, too!

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t just serve Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney in a bowl—get creative! Try layering it in mini jars for picnic spreads, swirling it atop yogurt or cottage cheese for a sweet-savory breakfast, or using it as a sandwich spread with turkey or roasted vegetables. The colors and flavors put a tropical twist on even the most classic presentations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to one week, and you’ll notice the flavors continue to mellow and mingle, making each day’s spoonful even more delicious.

Freezing

Want to make a big batch? Go for it! This chutney freezes wonderfully—simply portion it into freezer-safe jars or zip-top bags, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy a taste of sunshine.

Reheating

If you like your chutney warm, simply scoop out the amount you need and gently reheat it in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring often. You can also microwave it in 15-second bursts, just until warmed through—watch it closely so it doesn’t overcook or dry out.

FAQs

How spicy is Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney?

The heat level can be easily adjusted! Removing the jalapeño seeds and membranes will result in a milder chutney, while leaving them in (or adding an extra pepper) will really turn up the spice factor. Taste as you go to get it just right for your palate.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While fresh pineapple gives the chutney a bolder texture and brighter flavor, canned pineapple chunks (drained) make a perfectly good substitute and save some prep time. Just avoid pineapple packed in heavy syrup, as it can make the chutney too sweet.

Is it possible to make Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney sugar-free?

Yes, you can swap the brown sugar for a sugar substitute like coconut sugar, honey, or a low-calorie sweetener. Keep in mind that this will alter both the taste and texture, so start with less and adjust to your preference.

What’s the best way to use this chutney besides as a dip?

The possibilities are endless! Try spreading it on a burger or sandwich, topping tacos, mixing it into grain bowls, or pairing with roasted pork loin. It even works as a glaze for grilled vegetables or salmon.

Can I double the recipe for a big party?

Absolutely! Just use a larger saucepan and double all the ingredients. Cook time may need to be slightly increased, but the Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney will taste just as fantastic—if not even better—made in a big batch for sharing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to brighten up your table (and your mood!) with bold, zesty flavor, Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney is the way to go. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be finding excuses to put it on everything—so don’t be surprised if it becomes a signature favorite in your kitchen, too!

Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Approx. 2 cups
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. It’s a versatile condiment that pairs well with grilled meats, cheese, or as a zesty dip with tortilla chips.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by peeling and dicing the pineapple, mincing the jalapeños, and chopping the red onion.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the diced pineapple, minced jalapeños, chopped red onion, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ground ginger, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Cook the Chutney: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pineapple is soft and the chutney has thickened slightly.
Adjust Flavor: Taste the chutney and adjust the seasoning, adding lime juice if desired for extra tanginess.
Cool and Serve: Remove from heat and allow the chutney to cool slightly. Transfer to a clean jar or container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Enjoy: Serve your Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney with grilled meats, cheese, or as a dip with tortilla chips!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Fusion