Description
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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
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.