Name: Curried Pear Chutney
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 shallot, minced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger; 1/4 teaspoon curry powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 3 Bosc pears, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 1/4 cup apple cider; 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

Why This Recipe Works

Chutney is all about a spectrum of flavors—sweet, savory, spicy, and bitter. The only problem is that it usually involves at least an hour of simmering to develop that characteristic complexity. We sped up the process by turning to the microwave. By microwaving in stages, we got layers of flavor—first the aromatics and spices and then the fruit and juice. Vinegar and sugar finished off our chutney, rounding out the flavors and providing balance.

Before You Begin

Don’t worry if the mixture seems loose after cooking. It will thicken as it cools.

Instructions

Combine oil, shallot, garlic, ginger, curry powder, salt, and pepper flakes in medium bowl. Microwave, uncovered, until shallot has softened, about 1 minute.

Stir pears, cider, sugar, and vinegar into shallot mixture. Microwave until pears have softened and liquid is thick and syrupy, about 8 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking. Cool to room temperature and then refrigerate until chilled. Stir in cilantro and serve.