Skip to content
Spiced red onion chutney recipe

Spiced red onion chutney recipe

29 ratings

Wow friends and family with this twist on a traditional chutney recipe. Full of rich, warming flavours, this edible gift is a great way to keep present costs down this Christmas. See method

  • Makes 2 x 370g jars
  • Takes 1 hr 15 mins
  • 34 calories / serving
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Gluten-free
  • Dairy-free

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1kg pack red onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 bay leaves​
  • 200g dark soft brown sugar
  • 100ml balsamic vinegar
  • 150ml red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 star anise
  • 5 cloves
If you don't have red onions, try using white, brown or spring onions

Each serving contains

  • Energy

    140kj
    34kcal
    2%
  • Fat

    1g 1%
  • Saturates

    0g 1%
  • Sugars

    6g 6%
  • Salt

    0g 1%

of the reference intake
Carbohydrate 6.1g Protein 0.2g Fibre 0.6g

Method

  1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a low-medium heat. Add the onions, salt and bay leaves and cook for 20 mins until softened enough to break with a spoon.

  2. Stir in the sugar, vinegars and allspice. Wrap the whole spices in a small square of muslin cloth (or put the cinnamon in loose and use a loose-leaf tea infuser for the star anise and cloves) and add to the pan.

  3. Stir well, then reduce the heat to very low and bubble for 35-45 mins, stirring occasionally, until dark, sticky and reduced (a spoon drawn across the bottom of the pan should leave a trail).

  4. Remove the bay leaves and spice bag, then spoon into hot sterilised* jars. Screw on the lids and leave to cool completely.

Tip: You can also make this in a slow-cooker: cook the onions, salt and bay on high for 2-3 hrs, stirring occasionally. Add the rest of the ingredients and cook for another 2-3 hrs until sticky and reduced. The recipe can also be doubled up as needed.

The flavour will develop over time: if you can, make the chutney a few weeks before you plan to gift. It will keep for up to 1 year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, store in the fridge for up to 1 month.

*To sterilise glass jars, wash in hot, soapy water and rinse well. Dry in the oven for 15-20 mins at gas 1, 140°C, fan 120°C until hot and completely dry. Boil metal lids and rubber seals for 10 mins, then leave to dry.

See more Budget recipes

You may also like

Be the first to comment

Before you comment please read our community guidelines.