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Sweet and Spicy Rhubarb Chutney

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Sweet and Spicy Rhubarb Chutney is a lip-smacking condiment that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. It is a delicious savory chutney and a good way to use your fresh garden harvest Rhubarb stalks from your garden.

Sweet and Spicy Rhubarb Chutney in a glass jar with some spread on 2 bread slices, served along with some cheese

What is Rhubarb?

Rhubarb is a vegetable that has thick and fleshy stalks, which are watermelon pink. Its lime-green leaves are huge and are non-edible.  Rhubarb prefers a cold climate to grow. The first rhubarb arrives early in the year and the main crop rhubarb in spring. 

What does Rhubarb taste like 

Rhubarb has an intense tart flavor and a robust texture. It is crunchy and can be eaten raw. But to its sour and tangy taste sugar is generally added and desserts, pies, and jams are being made. 

I like to make this Rhubarb jam when I see fresh stalks in my farmer’s market or when I have it grown in my garden. Recently I have been gifted with this fresh garden harvest from a dear friend. We both love gardening and exchange a lot of fresh produce.

Sweet and Spicy Rhubarb Chutney in a glass jar with some spread on 2 bread slices, served along with some cheese

How to freeze rhubarb raw

Rinse the rhubarb stalk to get rid of any dirt. Pat it dry. Cut it into 1-inch thick stems and store it in a zip lock in the freezer.

How to keep rhubarb fresh

Rhubarb stays good in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks. You can simply wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. If you keep it in plastic, it needs to have some air circulation to keep it fresh.

Easy rhubarb recipes

Now when she handed me these stalks, I did not want to make anything sweet. I wanted something savory. Have already made Rhubarb Jam, Rhubarb Pico de gallo, and Rhubarb Strawberry bread. I have a few savory recipes in mind, but that is for next time. 

This time I decided to make this Sweet and Spicy Rhubarb Chutney to go along with my morning breakfast bread or flatbreads. I did this along the same lines as my Green tomato chutney but with alterations as I need a replacement for my finished tomato chutney. 

The recipe is quite simple. No fancy stuff, just put all the ingredients in a heavy bottom pan and let the mixture cook. You are done when the rhubarb pieces are done and mixed up completely. 

Sweet and Spicy Rhubarb Chutney in a glass jars with some spread on 2 bread slices, served along with some cheese

Shelf life of Sweet and Spicy Rhubarb Chutney

Since this has vinegar, it will stay good at room temperature. I have not stored this yet, but based on my earlier green tomato chutney, which has been good for the last 3 years, I believe this will too. (Yes I had made a big batch, not that it was bad.). However, if you are in a warm and humid environment it is best to refrigerate it. 

Canning of Jars

I do not do canning for any of my food. Never done that. I always use clean and sterilized containers. Maintain proper hygiene while removing jams, pickles, chutney, etc. Keep a separate container for everyday use.

Sweet and Spicy Rhubarb Chutney in a glass jar with some spread on 2 bread slices, served along with some cheese
Sweet and Spicy Rhubarb Chutney in a glass jar with some spread on 2 bread slices, served along with some cheese

Sweet and Spicy Rhubarb Chutney

Sweet and Spicy Rhubarb Chutney is a lip-smacking condiment prepared from your fresh garden harvest and is bursting with fresh flavors.
4.67 from 3 votes
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Course: Condiments
Keyword: Condiments, Fruits, Garden Harvest Recipes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 550 grams
Author: Renu Agrawal-Dongre

Ingredients

  • 3 Cups – 360 grams of Chopped Rhubarb
  • 1.5 Cups – 160 grams of Jaggery or Granulated Sugar (White or Brown)
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar -One can use wine vinegar too
  • Salt to taste
  • ¼ Cup – 60 grams – Dried Cranberries -Can be replaced with raisins
  • 3-4 green chilies chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Red Paprika powder
  • 1 teaspoon Nutmeg powder
  • 2 tablespoon Chopped Ginger

Instructions

  • Rinse and roughly cut the rhubarb into ½-inch pieces.
    3 Cups – 360 grams of Chopped Rhubarb
    Cut Rhubarb
  • In a heavy bottom, the pot adds the rhubarb
  • Add the green chilies, ginger and spices
    1 teaspoon Cinnamon, 3-4 green chilies chopped, 1 teaspoon Red Paprika powder, 1 teaspoon Nutmeg powder, 2 tablespoon Chopped Ginger
    Adding of green chilies and spice
  • Add the cranberries
    ¼ Cup – 60 grams – Dried Cranberries
    Adding of Dried Cranberries
  • Add jaggery, vinegar and salt
    1.5 Cups – 160 grams of Jaggery or Granulated Sugar, 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar, Salt to taste
    Adding of Jaggery, Salt and Vinegar
  • On a slow to the medium stove, bring the mixture to a boil stirring in between.
  • Using a potato masher or with the back of a spoon keep mashing the rhubarb in between.
    Chutney Simmering
  • This will mash the rhubarb, ginger, and chilies and make a nice chutney-like consistency.
  • Let the mixture cook until the rhubarb is done.
  • Once done, switch off, and let the chutney cool completely.
  • Store it in a clean and sterilized container.

Notes

Standard US Size Cups and spoons used
Spices can be adjusted to taste
Tried this recipe?Share your feedback @cookwithrenu_ad or tag #cookwithrenu_ad
Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist. The nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It varies depending upon the product types or brands.

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Recipe Rating




Graham

Tuesday 8th of August 2023

In the Rhubarb Chutney recipe the ingredients do not quite match the method as in the method you have stated to use a potato masher to mash the the mixture of Rhubarb, Ginger, Chillies to make etc etc but your ingredients do not mention Ginger only here at this point so how much ginger should be used or is this an error.

Renu Agrawal Dongre

Saturday 12th of August 2023

Thank you for pointing it out. I missed adding that in the ingredients , updated it now. I added about 2 tablespoons, (around 1 inch thin) but it can be a bit less too if you do not like much ginger or that extra heat.

Azlin Bloor

Sunday 17th of July 2022

Next time I get lots of rhubarb in, I'm definitely going to try this chutney recipe, Renu. It has all the flavours I love!

Mayuri Patel

Thursday 14th of July 2022

An interesting and easy to follow rhubarb recipe. Must admit, still have to used it and this sweet and spicy chutney seems the right recipe to begin with.

Wendy Klik

Sunday 26th of June 2022

Woohooooooo a new rhubarb recipe. Thanks Renu.

Karen @karenskitchenstories

Sunday 26th of June 2022

I love the spicy element of this chutney! Thanks for hosting.