I’ve been testing out a new recipe that’s quickly become a favorite: Cranberry Apple Chutney (Gluten Free) – perfect for pork dishes, chicken, or turkey. I think even the non cranberry lovers will enjoy this one🍏💚🍎❤️.
A pretty side dish for out table
This milder version or a cranberry sauce, is just in time for fall or Thanksgiving! Delicious Cranberry Apple Chutney makes itself known to our tables! Beautiful in color and flavor, it will make a great topping for most meats. Or choose to serve it with flatbread or naan for the vegetarian.
Serve over pork chops or pork tenderloin
The first few times I’ve made this I served over grilled pork chops. There’s something magical about pork and fruit. I really think it pairs perfectly. I have several pork chop or pork tenderloin recipes with a fruit sauce or compote.
Whether you choose to do a rub on the pork chops or to marinate them, this Cranberry Apple Chutney is the perfect topping.
Or if you prefer, spoon over a perfectly cooked sliced pork tenderloin. Complimentary flavors of apple and cranberry, together with the little allspice and ginger are a wonderful compliment to the pork.
Marinated pork chops or rubbed pork chops
One of my favorite pork recipes is this Grilled Porterhouse or Center Cut Pork Chop with Peach Compote (Gluten Free). You might want to swap out the peach compote for a new fall variation for these marinated pork chops. Try making the marinated chops and topping with this Cranberry Apple Chutney for a new flavor. It’s such a pretty fall dish. The slight tartness works well with the barely sweet marinade.
Although marinated pork chops are a nice compliment, you could also serve this chutney over spice rubbed pork chops. Grilling the pork chops makes for such an easy meal. Simply rub them down earlier in the day or marinate and refrigerate. Then, about forty five minutes prior to grilling, bring to room temperature. As well, you might pan sear and bake until the desired doneness.
If you aren’t a fan of pork and prefer chicken or turkey, it would be the perfect side for a roast chicken or turkey or even just a simple piece of chicken. Serving it with roasted turkey or turkey breast is another great choice.
Use your favorite unsweetened cranberry juice
The cranberry juice in this Cranberry Apple Chutney gives a pretty color without overshadowing the apples, which I love. It’s an option to omit the juice or use a pomegranate juice, which would be yummy too. For the juice, I used Trader Joe’s Cranberry Juice. Made from real cranberries, not from a concentrate. Also, with no added sugars, this tart juice is perfect for this recipe.
Simmer a bit longer if you want your apples very soft
Depending on the type of apple used and how thinly you slip or how small you chop, the apples may require several minutes more to get to the desired doneness. I prefer to cook them less so they hold their shape. Since that was the case, I didn’t cook for more than about fifteen minutes.
Simply simmer the Cranberry Apple Chutney for a bit longer if you want the apples softer. Either way the taste is full, balanced and wonderful, with apples, cranberry juice, golden raisins, dried cranberries, spices, and butter.
Next, I’ll be serving this Cranberry Apple Chutney with turkey for Thanksgiving!
Enjoy!
~ Laura
Cranberry Apple Chutney
Ingredients
- ¼ cup onion, minced
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, sliced, and chopped tart and sweet apples
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsweetened cranberry juice
- 1-2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon allspice, gf more to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger, gf more to taste
- 1-2 pinches of ground cinnamon, gf
- a few sprinkles of garlic powder or 1 small clove, crushed
- 1-2 tbsp rum, gf optional
- ⅛ cup golden raisins
- ⅛ cup dried cranberries, unsweetened or whole cranberries
Instructions
- In 1 tbsp of butter in a skillet, saute the onion for a few minutes until softened. Add the apples and the remaining butter and stir for a minute. Add the water, cranberry juice, honey or maple syrup, rum (if desired), spices, garlic powder or crushed garlic, and dried fruit. Simmer for 12-15 minutes until the apples are tender. Add additional water or cranberry juice as needed. Serve over pork, chicken, or turkey.