French Mandarin Fig Chutney (Chutney de Figues et Mandarines)
This French Mandarin Fig Chutney combines dried figs, mandarin oranges, and a variety of spices to create a textured, slightly sweet, and tangy condiment. The blend of fruits is simmered then partially blended for a balanced consistency, finished with currants for added texture. The chutney offers a nuanced flavor profile with hints of smoked paprika, ginger, and chili powder, suitable for pairing with cheeses, roasted meats, or charcuterie platters.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces figs dried
- 1 pound mandarin orange peeled, sectioned and each section chopped in half
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large red onion finely chopped
- 2 cups apple cider apple juice will also work
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ginger finely grated fresh
- 1 tablespoon grainy mustard
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper ground
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder or chipotle chili powder
- 1 cup currants or golden raisins, dried
Instructions
For making this jam to be stored in the refrigerator or freezer:
For the prep:
- Wash enough jars (to hold 24 ounces of jam) in hot soapy water and rinse well. Set aside.
- Cut off the stem and chop each fig into 4-6 pieces.
For the chutney:
- Combine all ingredients except for the currants in a large pot. Bring to a boil then reduce to a steady simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Using a stick (or regular) blender pulse the mixture until all the large pieces of fig have been blended but leave a little texture. (Use the pulse setting if using a regular blender.)
- Add the currants (or golden raisins) and cook for another 5-10 minutes until the chutney is thickened to the consistency of a slightly loose jam. It will get a bit thicker as it cools so don’t let it get too thick.)
- Taste the chutney If you would like it a bit tangier, add an extra tablespoon or two of vinegar. If you prefer your chutney to be more spicy, add more chili powder.
- Transfer to jars with tight-fitting lids. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for 2-3 months.
- If you end up cooking the jam too long and it's too thick, it's super easy to remedy. Just add water, a few tablespoons at a time, stirring well after each addition, until it's the desired consistency.
To preserve this chutney with a hot water bath:
For the prep:
- Wash and rinse canning jars and keep them hot until ready to use. Prepare lids according to the manufacturer's directions.
- Cut off the stem and chop each fig into 4-6 pieces.
For the chutney:
- Combine all ingredients except for the currants in a large pot. Bring to a boil then reduce to a steady simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Using a stick (or regular) blender pulse the mixture until all the large pieces of fig have been blended but leave a little texture. (Use the pulse setting if using a regular blender.)
- Add the currants (or golden raisins) and cook for another 5-10 minutes until the chutney is thickened to the consistency of a slightly loose jam. It will get a bit thicker as it cools so don’t let it get too thick.
- Taste the chutney If you would like it a bit tangier, add an extra tablespoon or two of vinegar. If you prefer your chutney to be more spicy, add more chili powder.
- Fill hot chutney into clean canning jars, leaving ½-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust the headspace if needed. Wipe rims of jars with a dampened, clean paper towel; adjust two-piece metal canning lids.
- Process in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes. If you live at a high altitude, use the times recommended by the National Center for Home Preservation in this post. https://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can_06/mango_chutney.html
- Let the chutney cool, undisturbed, for 12 to 24 hours then check for seals.
Notes
- Use sterilized jars to store the chutney for both safety and freshness.
- Adjust vinegar and chili powder to suit your preferred tanginess and spice level before bottling.
- Keep refrigerated for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage.
- The chutney yields approximately 28 ounces, or about four and a half 6-ounce jars.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 56 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 15
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1tablespoon | |
| Calories | 15kcal | 1% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 0.2g | 0% |
| Fat | 0.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.01g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.02g | 0% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.01g | 0% |
| Sodium | 1mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 41mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 1IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 10mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.1mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.