6 Best Mango Chutney Substitutes

What is Mango Chutney?

Best Mango Chutney substitutes? Mango chutney is a sweet and tangy condiment made from ripe mangoes, vinegar, sugar, and a variety of spices. It is a popular accompaniment to many South Asian dishes, such as curries, samosas, and biryanis, and is also used as a dip or spread for sandwiches, crackers, and other snacks.

There are many variations of mango chutney, and the ingredients and level of spiciness can vary depending on the recipe and the region where it is made. Some recipes may include additional ingredients such as onions, garlic, ginger, mustard seeds, cumin, and chili powder.

As mango chutney is made from fresh mangos it is colorful, packed full of flavor, and can be an excellent accompaniment to both hot or cold dishes.

Okay, before we look at the best substitute options for mango chutney, let’s deal with that empty cupboard situation!


Where can I buy mango chutney?

If you want to be more prepared and ensure you don’t run out of mango chutney again then you should stock up now.

Nowadays most health stores, delicatessens, and general supermarkets stock a wide variety of chutneys. Or if you prefer you can also purchase mango chutney on-line.

So why not jump on and place your order today.

STOCK UP NOW!

Stonewall Kitchen Mango chutney

Stonewall Kitchen Mangor Chutney. Gluten free. Non-GMO. Made in the USA.

Great store cupboard item.


What can I substitute for mango chutney?

Here are some of the best ways to substitute the flavor and role that mango chutney provides in your recipes.

Use any of the following as a mango chutney substitute:

  • apricot jam
  • apricot preserves
  • pineapple salsa
  • peach marmalade or jam
  • fig jam
  • cranberries and lemon

Mango chutney substitutes


Apricot jam

If you want a quick fix you could just open a jar of apricot jam. While apricot jam has a similar sweet and tangy flavor to mango chutney. Mango chutney typically has a chunky, relish-like texture, whereas apricot jam is usually smooth and spreadable. Mango chutney also often contains spices such as cumin, coriander, and chili powder, which are not typically found in apricot jam.

However, if you do not have mango chutney on hand and need a substitute, apricot jam can work in a pinch. You can add some additional spices to the apricot jam, such as ginger, garlic, and a pinch of chili powder, to give it more of a chutney-like flavor.

You can also add some diced onion or red pepper to the jam to give it a chunkier texture. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different than using traditional mango chutney, but it can still add a sweet and tangy element to your dish.

Apricot jam as a substitute for mango chutney.

Apricot preserves

If you have a bit more time you could make your own apricot preserve. Apricot preserves are a type of fruit spread made from apricots, sugar, and often lemon juice or pectin to help thicken the mixture. The apricots are cooked down with sugar and other ingredients to create a thick, spreadable texture. The preserves are usually chunky with pieces of fruit in them, and may also contain small bits of apricot skin.

Apricot preserves can be used in many different ways, such as a spread for toast or pastries, a glaze for meats or roasted vegetables, or as an ingredient in baking recipes. They can also be used to make a quick and easy sauce for chicken or pork dishes, by adding some vinegar or soy sauce to the preserves and heating it up on the stove.

Also do remember, like other types of fruit preserves, apricot preserves can vary in sweetness and texture depending on the recipe and brand. Some varieties may also include additional flavors or spices, such as vanilla or cinnamon.

Apricots in colander

Pineapple salsa

While pineapple salsa and mango chutney have different flavors and textures, pineapple salsa can be used as a substitute in some recipes. Pineapple salsa also has a sweet and tangy flavor, which can add a similar tropical element to your dish. Here’s a simple recipe for pineapple salsa:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the diced pineapple, red onion, red bell pepper, cilantro, and jalapeño pepper.
  2. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture and stir to combine.
  3. Add salt to taste, starting with 1/4 tsp and adjusting as needed.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salsa for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Your pineapple salsa is now ready to use as a topping or condiment in your recipe. It can also be used as a salsa for chips, as a topping for tacos or grilled meats, or as a condiment for sandwiches or burgers. And remember while it won’t have the same texture or flavor as mango chutney, it can still provide a similar tropical element to your dish.

Pineapple as a substitute for mango chutney.

Peach marmalade or jam

Peaches can be used as a substitute for mango chutney in some recipes. Peaches have a similar sweet and tangy taste to mangoes, but they are not as tart and do not have the same tropical flavor notes. Additionally, mango chutney often contains a variety of spices, such as cumin, coriander, and chili powder, which are not typically found in peach-based recipes.

If you want to use peaches as a substitute for mango chutney, you can try making a peach chutney by cooking diced peaches with vinegar, sugar, and a variety of spices to taste. Some good spice options to use include ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and cayenne pepper. You can also adjust the sweetness and tartness of the chutney by varying the amount of sugar and vinegar used. The resulting chutney will have a chunky texture with pieces of cooked peach, similar to mango chutney.

Keep in mind that while peach chutney can be a tasty and versatile condiment, it may not work as a substitute in all recipes that call for mango chutney. The flavor profile will be different, so it is best to use your own judgment when deciding if a substitution is appropriate for your specific dish.

Peaches as a substitute for mango chutney

Fig jam

Fresh figs are a great ingredient to use when you want to make your own mango chutney substitute. As I just love fresh figs I really had to include this simple recipe to make fig jam at home:

Ingredients:

  • 1 kg fresh figs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

  1. Wash the figs thoroughly and cut off the stems. Cut the figs into quarters or small pieces.
  2. In a large saucepan, combine the figs, sugar, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well to coat the figs with the sugar.
  3. Cook the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved and the figs have released their juices.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jam has thickened and the figs are soft.
  5. Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean and seal the jars with lids and bands.
  6. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure they are properly sealed. Remove the jars from the water and let them cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.

Your homemade fig jam is now ready to enjoy! It can be used as a substitute for mango chutney. it can also be used on toast, scones, and other baked goods. And also as a topping for yogurt or ice cream. You can even use it as a glaze for meats and vegetables.

Figs as a substitute for mango chutney

Cranberries & lemon

While cranberries and lemon do not have the same flavor profile as mango chutney, they can be used to make a tasty and tangy fruit relish that can be a good substitute in some recipes. So here’s a quick recipe to make cranberry lemon relish:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of ground cloves

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the cranberries and remove any stems or leaves.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, lemon juice and zest, sugar, water, salt, and cloves. Stir to combine.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have burst and the mixture has thickened.
  4. Remove the pan from the heat and let the relish cool to room temperature. Transfer it to a jar or container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

This cranberry lemon relish can be used as a topping for meats like turkey or ham, or as a condiment for sandwiches or cheese plates. It also has a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that can add a nice contrast to savory dishes. And don’t forget you can add spices, garlic and ginger to add different flavors. While it is not a perfect substitute for mango chutney, it can provide a similar sweet and tangy element to your dish.

Cranberries and lemon as a substitute for mango chutney.

Summary for mango chutney substitutes

Okay – that’s you all sorted with suitable substitutes for mango chutney.

There are a good range of shop-bought alternatives to use if you run out of mango chutney. And for those of you who are a bit more adventurous in the kitchen there are a few recipes included for you to try.

The mango chutney substitutes listed above will all provide you with an alternative if you run out of mango chutney. Which one will you choose?

And remember if you’re looking to replace mango chutney in a recipe, you’ll need to consider what role the mango chutney is playing in the recipe and choose a suitable replacement that provides similar benefits.

We have gathered together a lot more facts on ingredients such as herbs, spices, oils, nuts, etc. if you would like to learn some more.