This Apricot, Sweet Pepper and Thyme Chutney is a beautifully fruity, tangy and gently spiced homemade chutney that’s perfect for using up seasonal fruit. Made with ripe apricots, sweet mixed peppers and fresh thyme, it has a naturally vibrant flavour that works brilliantly with savoury dishes and cheese.
It’s a simple, fuss-free English style chutney recipe that comes together easily with a handful of fresh ingredients. A touch of spice and chilli flakes adds warmth without overpowering the natural sweetness of the fruit.
I love recipes like this because they start with something seasonal. You'll find me in the late spring making a batch of instant gor keri with raw Indian mangoes.
A recent trip to the market, where I spotted golden ripe apricots alongside fresh mixed peppers, was all the inspiration I needed. Once I got home, I knew exactly what I wanted to make - a fresh batch of English style chutney that captures those bright summer flavours in a jar.
I follow the same concept as my red pepper and chilli chutney and carrot tomato and cardamom chutney too.
This homemade chutney is incredibly versatile. It’s delicious spread over cheese on toast, served with this paneer cranberry nut roast, or alongside vegetarian BBQ food. I love it in this summery hung yogurt sandwich - the sweetness complements the creamy yogurt and crunchy veg so well!
Ingredient Notes
- Apricots - fresh ripe apricots give the chutney its natural sweetness and soft texture. They break down beautifully while cooking, creating a rich fruity base.
- Sweet mixed peppers - the sweet variety of the small red, yellow or orange peppers all work well here. They add depth, colour and a gentle sweetness that balances the sharpness of the fruit.
- Thyme - fresh thyme adds a subtle earthy note that lifts the chutney and keeps it from being overly sweet. Dried thyme can be used in a pinch, but I think fresh gives the best flavour.
- Chilli flakes - a small pinch adds warmth and depth without making the chutney too hot. You can adjust this depending on your preference.
Make Ahead Tips & Storage
This chutney actually improves as it sits, allowing the flavours to deepen over time. Once cooled, store it in sterilised jars in the fridge. It keeps well for several weeks, making it ideal for preparing ahead for gatherings or gifting.
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
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📖 Recipe
Apricot, Mixed Pepper and Thyme Chutney
Ingredients
- 750 grams fresh apricots finely chopped
- 150 grams mixed peppers finely chopped
- 100 grams cooking apple finely chopped
- 1 medium red onion finely chopped
- 500 grams brown sugar
- 12 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic purée
- 1 tablespoon red chilli flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- ½ teaspoon clove powder
- few sprigs of fresh thyme
Instructions
- Sterilise your jars and set aside ready for filling.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over a low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook very slowly for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and sticky.
- Add the chopped apricots, peppers, and apple, followed by the ginger-garlic purée, sugar, vinegar, and thyme sprigs.
- Stir in the red chilli flakes, cinnamon powder, and clove powder.
- Mix everything together well and bring up to a gentle simmer.
- Cook uncovered for 40–45 minutes, stirring regularly, until the liquid has reduced and the chutney is thick and sticky.
- Remove from the heat and discard the thyme sprigs.
- Carefully spoon the hot chutney into the sterilised jars and seal immediately.
- Leave to cool completely before labelling. Store in a cool, dark place.
Notes
Cooking the onion low and slow at the start is important; this builds a sweet, jammy base that carries the whole chutney.
The chutney will thicken further as it cools, so don't worry if it looks slightly looser than expected when you jar it up.
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
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Srividhya G says
This is one amazing chutney with the burst of flavors. Awesome.
Simplyfood says
Apricots and thyme, a perfect pairing . Delicious looking chutney too.
Peter says
I love pepper. Thanks for the instructions. Will try it out!
Elaine says
So yummy. My mom made all kinds of chutney and when I either eat chutney or see it, I think of her! I'm embarrassed to say that I have yet to make it. I love your recipe and want to try it! Beautiful photos and presentation!
Sue/the view from great island says
This is stunning, and I can just imagine how wonderful it would be with a cheese platter for dinner ~ your photos are gorgeous!
Unknown says
Those flavors sound absolutely amazing! And as always your photos are wonderful.
Dannii says
I love chutney and our cheese board is never missing it. But I have never tried an apricot chutney before. I am definitely giving this a try.
MsBrandiDenise says
This looks delicious. I love how it looks on that bread. I'm loving the use of red pepper flakes.
Debbie says
This looks amazing! I am thinking it would be delicious on chicken! - Debbie, VA for Denise Wright
Unknown says
Oh it look delicious! I love chutney. Usually I use the mango type but this one is definitely one to try!
Unknown says
I love your photos!! And the recipe as well, it looks amazing.
Rika says
Amazing recipe! The photos are beautiful too! I love chutney.
Unknown says
This looks so beautiful. The colors and the flavors...I love this.
Valentina says
Your flavor combination here is as beautiful as your images. Just lovely -- all around. And YUM!
Unknown says
Just saw your link on one of the food bloggers groups on Facebook. This looks delicious. Am pinning it and bookmarking it to make. Your photos are beautiful too.
Thanks Claire x
jcookingodyssey says
Thank you Claire for visiting my blog, I am sure you'll love it. Please let us know how it turns out for you. Have a great weekend!
Jagruti x