Chutney

Chutney is a mixture of fruit and/or vegetables cut into small pieces and cooked with vinegar and sugar to make a spicy product with the consistency of jam. Fruit and vegetables may be bruised and imperfect, but never mouldy or rotten, and all bruises and poor parts should be cut away. The fruit and vegetables are best cut in small pieces, but some people prefer them minced. Dried fruit, onions, garlic and brown sugar all give added flavour and richness to chutney.

Spices are particularly important in chutney and may be varied according to family tastes. Cayenne and chillies are very hot and may be omitted from recipes, but ginger which also gives ‘hotness’ is always acceptable in chutney. Cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and mace are aromatic spices and particularly good for mild fruit chutneys. Use freshly ground spices and measure them accurately for the first batch of chutney, but vary quantities if liked after testing the finished product when it is cold.