Tomato and Chilli Chutney

Left unopened, these jars will last around a year – when they’re open, store them in a fridge and use within two weeks, and they’ll be great still.

You can use these as presents, or as a treat every so often – served over a Jacket Potato, with a Salad or on Toast as a spread.

To make 3 Jars
1.5kg Vine Ripened Tomatoes
3 Medium Red Onions, peeled and chopped
2 Bramley Cooking Apples, peeled, cored and roughly chopped
3cm Root Ginger, peeled and grated
3 Large Red Chillies, finely chopped (remove the seeds for a milder flavour)
2 Garlic Cloves, finely chopped
150g Sultanas
600ml Red Wine Vinegar
350g Light Soft Brown Sugar
1 1/2level tsp Mustard Powder

1. Make a small cut in the base of each Tomato, and place in a heat-proof bowl. Pour enough boiling water to cover them, and leave to stand for a minute. Drain off the Water and skin the Tomatoes. Chop Roughly, then place in a Large Saucepan.
2. Add the Onion, Apple, Ginger, Chillies, Garlic, Sultanas and a teaspoon of Salt to the Saucepan, then stir. Place on a medium heat, then add the Red Wine Vinegar, Soft Brown Sugar and Mustard Powder, then bring to the boil, stirring occasionally.
3. Simmer without a lid on for two hours, or until the mixture is thick – the exact time will depend on the thickness of the pan, and the heat used. As it thickens up more, start to stir more to prevent anything sticking to the base of the pan.
4. Wash the Jars that you are going to use in hot soapy water. Rinse clean of any suds, and place in the Oven, open side down at 140C for twenty minutes.
5. Test the Chutney is ready. To do this, draw a wooden spoon across the base of the pan, and if you can clearly see the base of the pan, it’s ready!
6. Spoon the chutney into the Jars, then leave to cool. Leave to mature for at least six weeks before eating, to give the flavours a chance to mature and the Vinegar taste to mellow slightly.

Photo Courtesy of: Elin B