Unfortunately, nginx-util is automatically required when building nginx-ssl, for example.
However, I only need a "vanilla" nginx, to be configured using plain nginx.conf.
Any "trick" NOT to build nginx-util ?
Find nginx-util in the make menuconfig screen and press '?' to inspect the dependencies and check what is forcing it.
The dependency was probably written for a good reason, but if you know better, modify the makefile to remove it.