Spicy Wattleseed and Tomato Chutney

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tangy and spicy chutney combining ripe Australian tomatoes with aromatic wattleseed and chili, perfect as a condiment or accompaniment. This australian-inspired quick meals ready in about 60 minutes blends chopped ripe tomatoes, medium, finely chopped onion, packed brown sugar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 60 calories and feeds 8, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 50 min Serves 8 Australian cuisine 60 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 pounds chopped ripe tomatoes, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons ground wattleseed, 1 teaspoon red chili flakes, and 1 teaspoon sea salt to the pan. Stir well to combine.
  3. Step 3: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chutney thickens and the tomatoes break down into a jam-like consistency.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and let cool. Transfer to sterilized jars and refrigerate. Serve as a spicy condiment alongside grilled meats or cheese.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Wattleseed and Tomato Chutney take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (10 min prep + 50 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spicy Wattleseed and Tomato Chutney?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Wattleseed and Tomato Chutney?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spicy Wattleseed and Tomato Chutney for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spicy Wattleseed and Tomato Chutney?

Australian quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.