Mary Berry’s Christmas Chutney is a festive and flavorful condiment, perfect for adding a touch of sweetness and spice to your holiday meals. Made with a blend of dried fruits, warm spices, and tangy vinegar, this chutney pairs beautifully with cheese, cold meats, or roasted vegetables. It’s a wonderful addition to your Christmas table and also makes for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.

What is Mary Berry’s Christmas Chutney?

Mary Berry’s Christmas Chutney is a traditional holiday condiment made from a mix of dried fruits, apples, onions, and spices, all cooked together in vinegar and sugar. The result is a sweet, tangy, and spiced chutney that complements a variety of dishes. It’s often served with cheese, meats, or as part of a festive spread.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Perfect for the Holidays: The festive flavors of this chutney are ideal for Christmas meals and holiday gatherings.
Versatile: It pairs well with a wide range of dishes, from cheese boards to roasted meats.
Make-Ahead: This chutney can be made weeks in advance, allowing the flavors to develop over time.

Great Gift Idea: Packaged in a jar with a ribbon, this chutney makes a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Christmas Chutney

1 large onion, finely chopped
2 apples, peeled, cored and chopped

250g (9 oz) dried cranberries or raisins
200g (7 oz) soft brown sugar
300ml (10 fl oz) cider vinegar

1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice

1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
Zest and juice of 1 orange

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Christmas Chutney

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the fruits and onions: Peel and finely chop the onion and apples. Set them aside. Measure out the dried cranberries (or raisins) and set them aside as well.

Step 2: Cook the Onion and Apple

Sauté the onion and apple: In a large pot or preserving pan, add the chopped onions and apples. Cook them over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.

Step 3: Add the Spices and Vinegar

Add the vinegar and spices: Pour in the cider vinegar and stir in the brown sugar, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, minced garlic, and salt. Stir well to combine.
Add citrus: Stir in the zest and juice of the orange and lemon.

Step 4: Cook the Chutney

Simmer the chutney: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the chutney simmer for about 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes jam-like in consistency. The fruits should break down and the chutney should be rich and flavorful.

Step 5: Jar the Chutney

Sterilize the jars: While the chutney is cooking, sterilize your jars by washing them in hot, soapy water and placing them in a low oven (around 100°C/225°F) for 10 minutes.
Fill the jars: Once the chutney is ready, spoon it into the sterilized jars while it’s still hot. Seal the jars with lids and allow them to cool completely at room temperature.

What Goes Well with Mary Berry Christmas Chutney

Cheese Platter: Serve this chutney with a variety of cheeses like Brie, Cheddar, or Stilton for a festive cheese board.

Cold Meats: It’s a delicious accompaniment to cold cuts like ham, turkey, or roast beef.
Sandwiches: Spread the chutney on sandwiches for a sweet and tangy twist.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted parsnips, carrots, or Brussels sprouts to add depth of flavor.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Mary Berry Christmas Chutney

Let it Mature: For the best flavor, let the chutney mature for at least 2 weeks before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter chutney, you can add a little more sugar to taste.
Watch the Simmering: Keep an eye on the chutney as it simmers, and stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Use Sterilized Jars: Make sure to sterilize your jars properly to ensure the chutney stays fresh and safe for storage.

Variations of Mary Berry Christmas Chutney

Spicy Chutney: Add a chopped red chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Tropical Twist: Swap the cranberries for dried apricots or dried figs for a tropical flavor profile.

Nutty Chutney: Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the chutney for added texture and flavor.
Apple and Pear Chutney: Use a mix of apples and pears for a slightly different fruity base.

Storing Mary Berry Christmas Chutney: Best Practices

Store in a cool, dark place: Keep the jars of chutney in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. The chutney can be stored for up to 6 months.

Refrigerate after opening: Once opened, store the chutney in the refrigerator and consume it within 2-3 weeks.

Reheating or Serving Mary Berry Christmas Chutney

No reheating necessary: Chutney is best served at room temperature. Remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving to let it warm slightly.

How Can I Make Mary Berry Christmas Chutney Healthier?

To make Mary Berry’s Christmas Chutney healthier, consider the following adjustments:

Use less sugar: Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Increase the fruit content: Add more fresh fruits like pears or plums to naturally sweeten the chutney.
Use apple cider vinegar: Opt for apple cider vinegar with “the mother” for added health benefits.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving, Approx.)

Calories: 50
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 0g

Sodium: 150mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g

FAQs

How long does Christmas chutney need to mature?

Christmas chutney should mature for at least 2 weeks for the best flavor. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld and develop. It can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months before opening.

Can I use different fruits in Christmas chutney?

Yes, you can substitute or add different fruits like dried apricots, figs, or plums to the chutney. These fruits will add new flavors and textures while maintaining the sweet and tangy balance.

How do I thicken Christmas chutney if it’s too runny?

If the chutney is too runny, continue to simmer it uncovered until it reduces and thickens to the desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Can I freeze Christmas chutney?

Chutney can be frozen, but it’s not typically necessary since it has a long shelf life when stored properly in sterilized jars. If you prefer freezing, transfer the chutney to a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Final Words

Mary Berry’s Christmas Chutney is a delightful, festive condiment that brings warmth and flavor to any holiday spread.

Whether paired with cheeses, meats, or sandwiches, this chutney’s sweet, tangy, and spiced flavors make it a must-have for the holiday season. Plus, it’s a perfect make-ahead recipe that can be enjoyed throughout the holidays or given as a thoughtful homemade gift.

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