Easy Fig Chutney Recipe (and how to serve it!) | From Scratch Fast (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Nicki Sizemore · This post may contain affiliate links

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This fig chutney recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for over a decade. It has an incredible flavor from dried figs, ruby port, cinnamon, star anise, orange peel and walnuts. It smells like Christmas, and while I make it year-round, I especially love it during the holidays. It’s an easy appetizer when served with cheese and a fabulous accompaniment to roasted pork, turkey and sandwiches (and even breakfast!). [Step-by-step VIDEO below.]

Easy Fig Chutney Recipe (and how to serve it!) | From Scratch Fast (1)

While I love entertaining, when it comes to menu planning, I’ve learned (the hard way!) that the best meals are those that can be prepped almost entirely ahead of time, freeing me up to hang with my guests. This fig chutney recipe is one of my go-to’s, as it’s an easy way to elevate co*cktail hour. You can make it weeks ahead of time, and come the night of the party simply put it in a pretty jar or bowl and serve it aside a good wedge of cheese or two. Voila! Appetizers are served.

Easy Fig Chutney Recipe (and how to serve it!) | From Scratch Fast (2)

Ingredients:

  • Dried mission figs: This chutney is made with dried mission figs, which have a deep purple skin and a sweet, caramel-y flavor. You can find them at most grocery stores with the other dried fruits, or online. Avoid fresh figs, which won’t give you the same texture.
  • Ruby port: Ruby port is a young port with a fruity, cherry-like aroma (aged tawny port is more nutty in flavor and doesn’t work as well here).
  • Cinnamon stick, star anise, bay leaf and orange peel: The chutney is flavored with warming aromas of cinnamon and star anise, while a dried bay leaf lends a peppery depth and orange peel brings brightness.
  • Walnuts: Toasted chopped walnuts are stirred into the chutney at the end, providing a delicious nutty crunch.
Easy Fig Chutney Recipe (and how to serve it!) | From Scratch Fast (3)

How to make this fig chutney recipe:

  • In a small saucepan, combine the figs, port, water, maple syrup and salt. Tie up the orange zest, star anise, cinnamon stick and bay leaf in a piece of cheesecloth and nestle it into the pan (if you don’t have cheesecloth you can simply throw the spices in the pot and fish them out at the end).
Easy Fig Chutney Recipe (and how to serve it!) | From Scratch Fast (4)
  • Bring the port to a simmer then cook until the figs soften and the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency. It only takes about 15-20 minutes.
Easy Fig Chutney Recipe (and how to serve it!) | From Scratch Fast (5)

Serving suggestions

This fig chutney instantly elevates a cheese board, making for an elegant appetizer. For an easy crostini, spoon the chutney over fresh ricotta or brie on toasted baguette slices. It also pairs beautifully with roasted port or turkey (as well as with pork or turkey burgers!). I absolutely love it on sandwiches, especially with brie or Comté and spicy arugula. SWOON.

Easy Fig Chutney Recipe (and how to serve it!) | From Scratch Fast (6)

For a French-inspired breakfast, serve the chutney with a spread of mild cheeses, maple pecans, thick yogurt, fresh bread and fruit. Très sophisticated.

Easy Fig Chutney Recipe (and how to serve it!) | From Scratch Fast (7)

Finally, I love giving the chutney as an easy but thoughtful hostess or holiday gift. Pack it into pretty jars (I love these) and give it on its own, or pair it with a nice piece of cheese, a cheese board and a cheese knife.

Easy Fig Chutney Recipe (and how to serve it!) | From Scratch Fast (8)

Recipe tips:

  • Be sure to use ruby port instead of tawny port in this fig chutney recipe. Ruby port is a younger port with a brighter, fruitier flavor.
  • Use dried black mission figs which you can buy online or in specialty grocery stores (such as Whole Foods).
  • You’ll need cheesecloth and butcher’s twine to tie up the whole spices, but if you don’t have them you could use a tea steeper or simply throw the whole spices into the pot and fish them out at the end.

*This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links to products I use and love (from which I earn income, at no cost to you). Thank you or supporting From Scratch Fast!

FAQs

How long can you store fig chutney?

The chutney will keep in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. I prefer to bring it to room temperature before serving, but it’s also tasty straight out of the fridge.

What cheeses pair with fig chutney?

Fig chutney is a perfect match with Alpine style cheeses (such as Comté or Gruyere), aged salty cheeses (such as Manchego or Parmigiano Reggiano) or bloomy rind cheeses (such as Brie or Camembert).

Other appetizers to try:

  • Creamy White Bean Dip
  • Whipped Ricotta Crostini
  • Sriracha Cream Cheese Dip
  • Yogurt Feta Dip

Watch the video!

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Easy Fig Chutney Recipe with Walnuts & Port

This easy fig and walnut chutney is fragrant with port, cinnamon, star anise, orange zest and maple syrup. It smells just like the holidays, and it’s the perfect addition to cheese platters or cheese plates. For an easy crostini, spoon the chutney over fresh ricotta or brie on toasted baguette slices. It’s also excellent with roasted turkey or pork (as well as on turkey and pork burgers!), and it makes a killer sandwich with cheese (think gruyere, Comté, brie or Taleggio) and arugula. You’ll need cheesecloth and butcher’s twine to bundle the whole spices but if you don’t have one you could use a tea steeper or just add the spices and fish them out at the end.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: fig chutney for cheese, fig chutney recipe, fig jam recipe

Servings: 1 ½ cups

Author: Nicki Sizemore

Equipment

  • cheesecloth, butcher’s twine

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups dried Black Mission figs, about 8-9 ounces, stems removed, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup ruby port
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 2-3- inch strip orange zest (removed with a vegetable peeler)
  • ½ star anise
  • 1 2-3- inch cinnamon stick
  • ½ bay leaf
  • ¼ cup toasted walnuts, chopped

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan, combine the figs, port, water, maple syrup and salt.

  • Place the orange zest, star anise, cinnamon stick and bay leaf in the center of a 6-inch square of cheesecloth; pull up the sides and tie the ends with butcher’s twine to make a little packet (if you don’t have cheesecloth you can simply throw the spices in the pot and fish them out at the end).

  • Nestle the packet into the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer on your lowest burner. Cook, stirring occasionally and smashing the figs with the back of a spoon, until thickened (it should be the consistency of a jam), about 15-20 minutes.

  • Remove the pan from the heat and discard the packet of spices. Smash the figs a bit more with the back of the spoon. The chutney should be thick, but if it looks dry you can stir in a splash or two of water. Stir in the walnuts. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Do Ahead: The chutney can be refrigerated for up to 3 weeks. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Tips:

  • Be sure to use ruby port instead of tawny port in this recipe. Ruby port is a younger port with a brighter, fruitier flavor.
  • Use dried black mission figs which you can buy online or in specialty grocery stores (such as Whole Foods).
  • You’ll need cheesecloth and butcher’s twine to tie up the whole spices, but if you don’t have them you could use a tea steeper or simply throw the whole spices into the pot and fish them out at the end.
  • The chutney pairs nicely with both aged hard cheeses as well as soft, bloomy rind cheeses, including: Comté, Gruyère, Manchego, Parmigiano Reggiano, Brie and Camembert.

More Gluten Free Easy Appetizers

  • Lamb Flatbread Pizzas with Mint Pesto (Gluten Free Option!)
  • Life Changing Grilled Potatoes Recipe
  • Ultimate Romesco Sauce Recipe (Gluten Free, Vegan)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lucy says

    Can you process the chutney in a water bath to preserve it longer?

    Reply

    • Nicki Sizemore says

      Hi Lucy, unfortunately I haven't tested the amount of acid in the chutney, and I'm not sure if it has enough acid to be safely preserved in a hot water bath. So sorry I don't have a concrete answer for you! Perhaps if you have leftovers you can gift it to friends?

      Reply

  2. Lucy says

    Can you freeze this?

    Reply

    • Nicki Sizemore says

      Hi Lucy, I actually haven’t tried freezing this, since it lasts so long in the fridge. I do think it should be fine, however.

      Reply

  3. Katie Dilts says

    I’d like to serve this to children; do you have a suggestion for a substitute for the port? Thank you.

    Reply

    • Nicki Sizemore says

      Hi Katie! Since the port simmers in this chutney, the alcohol completely boils off. There will be zero alcohol in the chutney, making it absolutely safe to feed to children!

      Reply

Leave a Comment

Easy Fig Chutney Recipe (and how to serve it!) | From Scratch Fast (2024)

FAQs

What do you eat with fig relish? ›

Here are our top 5 suggestions of how to enjoy it:
  1. With goats' cheese. ...
  2. Start your morning off right by spooning Stick Fig Relish on your porridge. ...
  3. Try it with Manchego. ...
  4. Add oomph to your sharing platter. ...
  5. Dollop a spoonful atop good quality vanilla icecream and finish off with a splash of sherry.
Jun 1, 2018

How do you serve fresh figs on a cheese board? ›

  1. Spread the goat cheese on a clean board.
  2. Drizzle it with fig preserve, then dot with fresh fig halves.
  3. Drizzle the honey over everything!
  4. Sprinkle the black pepper on top of the honey, and finish with pistachios.
Oct 12, 2022

What cheese goes with figs? ›

And blue cheese and figs is a classic for good reason. You can never go wrong with Gorgonzola, and for those who are hesitant about blues, take a bite of sweet, mellow, fudgy Bay Blue from Point Reyes together with a fig, and then let me know if you've changed your mind (both available at Murray's Cheese).

What do figs taste best with? ›

Flavors to partner with figs include nuts, vinegars including balsamic and sherry vinegars, honey, cured meats like prosciutto and ham, warm spices including cinnamon and cardamom, herbs like rosemary and thyme, and dairy, especially cheese. Because they are so high in sugar, fresh figs caramelize easily when roasted.

How do you eat fig relish? ›

Dollop it on porridge, spread it on cream cheese, munch with goats' cheese, savour with Manchego (and Serrano ham!) or spoon onto ice cream (and top with sherry)!

What is best to eat with chutney? ›

Hot chutneys pair well with creamy curries like korma or pasanda, or provide a boost to plain rice. Fruity chutneys pair well with hot curries, like madras or vindaloo. A zesty lime pickle or a spicy brinjal (eggplant) pickle makes a great start to an Indian meal served with poppadoms or naan bread.

What do you eat chutney on? ›

It is served with everything from basmati rice to breads like naan or dosa to curry dishes. Elsewhere in the world, you may see a variety of chutney paired with dishes, like onion chutney with roasted meats or a fruity apple chutney with buttery, creamy cheese like brie or goat cheese.

What is the easiest way to eat figs? ›

We're often loathe to cook figs, as they have a pure sweetness and honeyed flavor that's hard to match. Simply cut them in half, add a dollop of soft goat cheese or a chunk of feta and enjoy.

How many figs should you eat at once? ›

When it comes to raw fruit, you can easily have 2-3 figs in a day. If you are having dried figs, stick to 3 figs and do not have them without soaking overnight. Our body can absorb the nutrients and digest some dried fruits and nuts in a better way when they are soaked well.

How many figs should I eat a day? ›

The General Guideline: On average, 2-4 figs per day can be a sweet spot for most people, balancing taste and nutritional benefits. Your Personal Needs: Your individual needs, health condition, and lifestyle can affect the ideal amount of figs for you.

How do you eat figs for charcuterie board? ›

🙂 You can also add figs to almost any kind of charcuterie board. Slice a few, and leave a few whole for a pretty presentation. Here's some possible substitutions: Use peach or vanilla Greek yogurt in the Yogurt & Granola Bowl.

Do you eat the skin of fresh figs? ›

Fresh figs are usually eaten raw. They taste best eaten straight off the tree, ideally still warm from the sun. The entire fig is edible, from the thin skin to the red or purplish flesh and the myriad tiny seeds, but they can be peeled if you wish.

Do you put figs on a cheese board? ›

Add some fresh fruit if possible

I like champagne grapes, which are perfect for a cheese board, but you can definitely use regular grapes too. And fresh figs are a splurge if you can find them – just a few of them make the board pop. You can also always go the dried fruit route!

Why figs should be soaked before eating? ›

Figs loaded with Fibre and protein it will keep you fuller for longer time. If you are eating dried figs, soak for overnight as it makes easier for digestion and most nutrients are absorbed.

How do you cut and serve fresh figs? ›

Make a deep cross at the top end of the fig, cutting almost but not all of the way through. Then squeeze at the base with your fingers - the four quarters should open out like petals. Figs are best at room temperature, so take them out of the fridge an hour before you eat them.

Should figs be refrigerated? ›

Since fresh figs are perishable, they need to be kept in the refrigerator, between 32ºF-36ºF. Like strawberries, which can get moldy if exposed to too much moisture, it's generally not recommended that you wash figs as soon as you bring them home from the market.

How do you present fresh figs? ›

Fresh Figs, Three Ways
  1. In a simple cheese plate with greens, toasted hazelnuts, flaky sea salt, honey and olive oil.
  2. As an easy yogurt bowl with granola, blueberries and honey. So good at breakfast! ...
  3. As an appetizer or light lunch of toasted sourdough bread with soft cheese, fresh thyme, pistachios and honey.
Sep 10, 2021

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