Our 10 Favourite Winter Chutneys

As winter casts its chilly spell, the aroma of hearty and comforting meals fills our homes. One indispensable accompaniment that adds a burst of flavour to these winter delights is chutney. From tangy to spicy, sweet to savoury, chutneys are a versatile addition to our winter repertoire. In this article, we present our top 10 favourite chutney recipes, complete with detailed instructions on how to prepare them, what to pair them with, and the best preservation methods.

1. Apple and Cranberry Chutney:

   • Ingredients:

     • 4 apples, peeled and diced
     • 1 cup cranberries
     • 1 cup brown sugar
     • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
     • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

   • Instructions:

     1. In a saucepan, combine all ingredients and simmer until the mixture thickens.
     2. Serve with roasted meats or spread on warm scones.

1. Spiced Tomato Chutney:

   • Ingredients:

     • 1 kg tomatoes, chopped
     • 1 onion, finely chopped
     • 1 cup sugar
     • 1/2 cup white vinegar
     • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

   • Instructions:

     1. Cook onions until translucent, add tomatoes and cook until soft.
     2. Add sugar, vinegar, and mustard seeds. Simmer until thickened.
     3. Pair with cheese and crackers or enjoy with a winter curry.

2. Pear and Ginger Chutney:

   • Ingredients:

     • 4 pears, peeled and diced
     • 1/2 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
     • 1 cup brown sugar
     • 1/2 cup cider vinegar

   • Instructions:

     1. Combine all ingredients and simmer until pears are tender.
     2. Serve with roasted pork or as a topping for vanilla ice cream.

3. Spicy Mango Chutney:

   • Ingredients:

     • 2 ripe mangoes, diced
     • 1 red chili, finely chopped
     • 1 cup sugar
     • 1/2 cup white vinegar

   • Instructions:

     1. Cook mangoes, chili, sugar, and vinegar until the mixture thickens.
     2. Ideal with grilled chicken or as a dip for samosas.

4. Cranberry Orange Chutney:

   • Ingredients:

     • 1 cup fresh cranberries
     • Zest and juice of 1 orange
     • 1/2 cup honey
     • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

   • Instructions:

     1. Cook cranberries, orange zest, juice, honey, and cloves until berries burst.
     2. Perfect with roast turkey or as a spread on crusty bread.

5. Date and Tamarind Chutney:

   • Ingredients:

     • 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
     • 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
     • 1/2 cup jaggery
     • 1 teaspoon cumin powder

   • Instructions:

     1. Simmer dates, tamarind paste, jaggery, and cumin until a thick consistency is achieved.
     2. Great with Indian snacks like pakoras or as a dip for grilled kebabs.

6. Fiery Green Chutney:

   • Ingredients:

     • 1 cup coriander leaves
     • 1/2 cup mint leaves
     • 2 green chilies
     • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
     • Salt to taste

   • Instructions:

     1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
     2. Pair with grilled meats or as a zesty dip for vegetable sticks.

7. Beetroot and Onion Relish:

   • Ingredients:

     • 2 beetroots, grated
     • 1 onion, finely sliced
     • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
     • 2 tablespoons olive oil

   • Instructions:

     1. Sauté onions, add beetroots, balsamic vinegar, and cook until tender.
     2. Serve with goat cheese on crackers or as a side for a winter salad.

8. Butternut squash and Sage Chutney:

   • Ingredients:

     • 2 cups butternut, diced
     • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
     • 1/2 cup brown sugar
     • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

   • Instructions:

     1. Cook butternut, sage, sugar, and vinegar until pumpkin is soft.
     2. Perfect with roast chicken or as a topping for white meat.

9. Plum and Port Chutney:

• • Ingredients:

    • 1 kg plums, pitted and chopped
    • 1 cup port wine
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1 cinnamon stick

  • Instructions:

    1. Simmer plums, port wine, sugar, and cinnamon until thickened.
    2. Ideal with a cheese platter or as a glaze for roast lamb.

Preservation Tips:

The effort invested in crafting these delectable chutneys deserves a methodical approach to preservation. Proper storage ensures that the vibrant flavors and textures are retained for an extended period, allowing you to enjoy the fruits of your labour over time.

1. Sterilized Jars:

   • Before filling your jars with the freshly prepared chutney, ensure they are thoroughly sterilized. Wash the jars and lids in hot, soapy water, then rinse and dry them. Place the jars in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 10-15 minutes to eliminate any lingering bacteria.

2. Airtight Seal:

   • To prevent spoilage and maintain freshness, it’s crucial to create an airtight seal when closing the jars. Ensure the chutney is at room temperature before sealing the jars to prevent condensation, which can lead to mold growth.

3. Refrigeration:

   • For short-term storage (up to two weeks), refrigeration is the simplest and most effective method. Place the sealed jars in the refrigerator, on the door shelves or on your Liebherr VarioSafe compartment . This will keep the chutney cool and easily accessible for daily use.

4. Freezing:

   • If you wish to extend the shelf life of your chutneys beyond a few weeks, freezing is a fantastic option. However, freezing requires a bit of planning and the right containers.
     • Portioning: Divide the chutney into small, airtight containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
     • Labeling: Clearly label each container with the chutney type and the date of preparation to keep track of freshness.
     • Freezer Bags: Alternatively, you can use freezer bags for smaller portions. Squeeze out excess air from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.

By following these preservation tips, you can relish the delightful flavours of your homemade winter chutneys well beyond the initial preparation. Whether you choose the refrigerator or freezer method, each jar will be a testament to your culinary prowess, ready to enhance your meals with a burst of seasonal goodness. So, go ahead and savor the fruits of your labour, one delectable spoonful at a time.

These 10 winter chutney recipes promise to elevate your culinary experience during the colder months. From festive feasts to cozy nights in, these versatile condiments are the perfect companions for a variety of dishes. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a chutney-making adventure that will warm both your kitchen and your heart.