Mirj’s Backyard Chutney Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yields: 5 ยฝ pint jars
If you have a bounty of fruit from your backyard, this flavorful chutney is the perfect way to preserve the harvest and create something special thatโs both tangy and sweet with a spicy kick. Mirjโs Backyard Chutney is an adaptation of a recipe from Deborah Navas’ Giving Good Food, designed to make the most of a fruitful season. It combines tart apples, loquats, and a blend of spices to create a savory, slightly sweet condiment that pairs wonderfully with meats, cheeses, or simply enjoyed on a piece of toasted bread. Perfect for gifting or storing for later, this chutney keeps indefinitely when refrigerated.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tart apples | 1 |
| Loquats | 3 |
| Onion | 1 |
| Seedless raisins | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup |
| Vinegar | 3 cups |
| Salt | 2 tsp |
| Mustard seeds | 2 tsp |
| Ground ginger | 1 tsp |
| Cayenne pepper | ยฝ tsp |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 840.4 kcal |
| Fat | 1.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 913.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 213.7 g |
| Fiber | 10.9 g |
| Sugar | 148.3 g |
| Protein | 4.1 g |
Instructions
- Begin by combining all the ingredients in a heavy-bottomed pot. Stir the mixture to combine evenly.
- Turn the heat to high, bringing everything to a gentle boil. Once the chutney starts to boil, reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 2 hours, stirring every 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the chutney as it thickens, ensuring it doesnโt burn on the bottom.
- If you prefer a smoother consistency, use a potato masher to mash down the chutney toward the end of the cooking process. For chunkier chutney, leave it with larger pieces of fruit.
- Once the chutney has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat.
- Spoon the hot chutney into sterilized jars, making sure they are filled while the chutney is still hot. Seal the jars tightly.
- Let the jars cool to room temperature before refrigerating. This chutney can be stored in the fridge indefinitely.
Tips and Notes:
- Storage: This chutney can be kept in the fridge for a long time, so itโs perfect for making in bulk and preserving your fruit for future enjoyment.
- Spices: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper depending on your spice tolerance. You can also experiment with adding other spices, such as cinnamon or cloves, for a different flavor profile.
- Warning: The vinegar fumes can be quite strong during cooking, so be sure to have good ventilation or remove any plants near your stove to prevent them from being affected.
Conclusion
Mirj’s Backyard Chutney is a fantastic way to preserve your backyard fruit harvest in a delightful, tangy, and spicy spread that adds a unique flavor to any meal. Its versatility and long shelf life make it an excellent option for gift-giving or simply stocking your pantry with a homemade condiment that can enhance many dishes.
