Easy Fresh Balsamic Tomato Chutney Recipe (2024)

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Indulge in the rich flavors of our Balsamic Tomato Chutney made with fresh, ripe tomatoes. A delightful blend of tangy and sweet in every spoonful.

Create a delicious fresh Balsamic Tomato Chutney with this easy-to-follow recipe! Try this tasty chutney as a topping on these juicy Lamb Burgers, Shrimp BLT sandwiches, and more. Get started now and make a delicious, sweet and tangy chutney in just 20 minutes!

THIS POST HAS BEEN UPGRADED FROM 9/14/17 TO IMPROVE READER EXPERIENCE.

Easy Fresh Balsamic Tomato Chutney Recipe (1)

Fresh Balsamic Tomato Chutney is a great way to use fresh tomatoes. This recipe only uses 6 ingredients and is delicious loaded on a burger, grilled brats, or scooped with your favorite veggies.

Every once in a while John and I’ll try a dish that has us thinking “Oh my gosh, we’ve got to make this”. We recently had a Balsamic Tomato Chutney that fell into that category.

On vacation, we drove from Pacific Grove California down the 17-mile highway. We were told about a great restaurant on the Big Sur called Nepenthe that we just had to try.

Some of the bridges were out due to a landslide, so we would have to drive, shuttle, and hike to get there but were told it was a doable hike and worth it. We exerciseregularly so we were up for the adventure.

Easy Fresh Balsamic Tomato Chutney Recipe (2)

Well, the hike was like scaling a mountain. Killer folks a real killer! The hike was on a dirt path which I was totally prepared for in my white capris pants and gigantic bag which John ended up carrying.

I may have done a little (a lot) of whining too. What kept me going was thinking we were almost there. That and my competitive desire not to be passed.

Easy Fresh Balsamic Tomato Chutney Recipe (3)

Once we’d arrived I was revived with an amazing margarita. Our waiter said their Shrimp BLT was the best he’d ever had.

You never know how someone else’s “best” compares to yours but we gave it a try.

It was the best sandwich we’ve ever had. In our opinion, what made it so amazing was a Balsamic Tomato Chutney and knew that it would be one of the first things that we tried to recreate once we got home.

When we got home, we had several beautiful tomatoes ready for picking and knew it was a sign…to get busy in the kitchen.

I can’t even tell you how amazing this Tomato Chutney is. Balsamic infuses fresh tomatoes and onion mixed with fresh herbs. It’s as sweet and flavorful as if Mother Nature made it herself.

Once the Balsamic Tomato Chutney was made, making the most Amazing Shrimp BLT Sandwich recipe followed. You guys, this combination is a culinary work of art, I promise!

Easy Fresh Balsamic Tomato Chutney Recipe (4)

What is Chutney?

The India subcontinent is credited for chutney as a way to preserve fresh fruits and vegetables.

Chutneys could either be dried or pickled and were rarely sweet. They were often used as a condiment like a jam which is what we’ve done with this easy tomato chutney recipe. According to The Virginia Chutney Company, they’re a savory jam.

What’s the difference between Jam and Chutney?

Jams are usually cooked down and preserved with sugar and pectin. Chutneys are chopped. They can contain a mixture of vinegar and sugar and a combination of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices.

Commercial versions of chutneys can really blur the lines between Jams, Chutneys, Relish, and Pickling. Unfortunately, commercial versions often taste like vinegar and sugar. If you think you don’t like chutney, try this Tomato Chutney Easy Recipe!

Easy Fresh Balsamic Tomato Chutney Recipe (5)

The best tomatoes for fresh tomato chutney are any fresh tomato you can get your hands on and the variety that you enjoy.

This Tomato Chutney recipe contains only 6 ingredients and is so much more healthy than commercial versions. It tastes so fresh and compliments anything you use it with.

Uses for Tomato Chutney

  • Condiment on an Amazing Shrimp BLT sandwich!
  • Topped over scrambled eggs
  • As a relish over grilled swordfish, or seafood.
  • Served as a Bruschetta
  • Piled on a hot dog or on top of a burger
  • Mixed into a fresh vegetable or pasta salad

You can freeze or can Fresh Balsamic Tomato Chutney so you can enjoy it when those beautiful tomatoes are gone for the season.

Items you may need to make Tomato Chutney:

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  • 4 oz Mason Jars – I love these little jars. They make a great jam size and the perfect size gift jar. They’re also perfect for organizing items like paper clips in my office.
  • Saute Pan – I prefer stainless steel pans. I love how this pan has a flat bottom so more food can sit on it directly. I also like the glass lids so I can see how it’s cooking.

Time Saving Tip: This recipe can easily be made in a food processor. Process each ingredient separately and combine them in a bowl to prevent over-chopping on any ingredient.

Other great tomato recipes!

I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe as much as we do. Drop me a comment below, and don’t forget to give it a star rating. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Your comments and ratings help others decide if this recipe is for them too.

Easy Fresh Balsamic Tomato Chutney Recipe (6)

Easy Fresh Balsamic Tomato Chutney Recipe

Author: Julie Menghini

Fresh Balsamic Tomato Chutney tastes like Mother Nature made it herself. It makes a delicious Bruschetta or a condiment over fish, chicken, burgers & brats.

Print Recipe Collect Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword: Balsamic Tomato Chutney, Tomato Chutney

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 cups tomatoes diced
  • 1 yellow onion diced (2 cups)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

  • In a skillet over medium heat drizzle 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil. Add remaining ingredients. Keep at a low boil until liquid evaporates and balsamic thickens approximately 20-30 minutes.

  • Serve immediately or refrigerate once cooled in an airtight container.

Notes

Time Saving Tip: This recipe can easily be made in a food processor. Process each ingredient separately and combine them in a bowl to prevent over chopping on any ingredient.

This recipe can be canned or frozen in an air-tight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 48kcalCarbohydrates: 6gFat: 1gSodium: 298mgPotassium: 214mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 620IUVitamin C: 11.2mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.3mg

Nutritional Disclaimer

This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

Easy Fresh Balsamic Tomato Chutney Recipe (7)

UPDATE: If you are in the Big Sur area, the road has been fixed! Unfortunately, they’ve changed their shrimp BLT recipe, so I guess our Tomato Chutney recipe is now the best!

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Easy Fresh Balsamic Tomato Chutney Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Which vinegar is best for chutney? ›

Vinegar used in making chutney must be good quality and have at least 5% acetic acid content. Any good brand white, malt, wine or cider vinegar should possess the correct qualities. Brown sugar is used for darker coloured chutney but where a lighter colour is required granulated sugar is recommended.

What's the difference between tomato sauce and chutney? ›

The texture of this condiment is what primarily distinguishes it from a sauce. Because it is made from slow-cooking fruits and vegetables, chutney often has a chunky yet spreadable consistency and is created similarly to jam. Sauce, on the other hand, is typically much thinner.

What is the preservative in tomato chutney? ›

Sodium benzoate is sometimes added to sauces and purees to help preserve the products after the bottle has been opened.

Should you cover chutney when simmering? ›

It is essential that chutneys are allowed a long and slow cooking period in a pan that is not covered with a lid. This will allow your chutney to become rich and smooth.

How long should you leave chutney before eating? ›

With dried spices you need to leave the chutney to an absolute minimum of 6 weeks but the longer you leave the better is will taste as the spices mature. A 6 months old chutney will taste very food. With the fresh spices it need only be 6 weeks old. Always cook your chutneys on a low heat, slowly, don't rush.

What are the main ingredients in chutney? ›

Chutneys are made by slow-cooking fruit or vegetables with peeled ginger, garlic, Korintje cinnamon, and chilies. Spices and vinegar are added to preserve the chutney and give it a tangy flavor.

What is the difference between tomato relish and tomato chutney? ›

Tomato chutney is thicker and chunkier, whereas tomato relish is usually thinner. The taste of a tomato relish is more vinegary, too. Chutney is usually softer in texture and is cooked longer, but the veggies in a relish still have some crispy crunch to them.

Why is my tomato chutney bitter? ›

Of course acidity makes food bitter. This is the only reason of bitterness of tomato sauce. There are two main ways we use in Italy to remove that bitterness: a pinch of sugar in the sauce while cooking it.

Why is my tomato chutney watery? ›

Our answer. When you make chutney its consistency is determined by the evaporation of liquid as the chutney cooks. So if possible you should use a wide pan as this has a larger surface area which means that liquid will evaporate more quickly and should help to prevent the fruit in the chutney from becoming too soft.

What thickens chutney? ›

Some popular thickening agents for chutney include:
  • Cornstarch: Cornstarch is a common thickening agent that is widely available and easy to use. ...
  • Flour: Flour can also be used to thicken sweet chutney.
Dec 20, 2021

How do I know if my chutney is ready? ›

As it thickens, stir more frequently and watch that the sugar does not begin to stick to the bottom of the pan. The chutney is done when you can scrape a wooden spoon across the bottom of the pan and the chutney does not flow back into the gap.

What kind of pan is best for chutney? ›

Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel

Cooking vessels are made from 316 stainless steel base, with 304 sides. They can be made with complete 316 vessels and even 316 lids if required. Many chutney recipes have acidic ingredients, and the 316 stainless vessel will ensure a long and corrosion-free life.

Can I use distilled white vinegar for chutney? ›

I have a few windfall apples in there plus onions, dried fruit and garlic. So often chutney is brown but I make this one with granulated sugar and distilled white vinegar which results in a chutney that is colourful and vibrant - autumn in a jar !

Which vinegar is best for Indian food? ›

Rice Vinegar:

Rice vinegar is a popular choice in several Asian cuisines, including Indian. It's made from fermented rice and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

What can I use instead of malt vinegar in chutney? ›

Malt vinegar substitute: Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice are your best options for malt vinegar substitutes.

What can I use instead of cider vinegar in chutney? ›

For 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, substitute 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, one tablespoon of lime juice, or 2 tablespoons of white wine. These substitutes won't give you the same health benefits, but they will come close to the intended flavor in recipes.

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