Luxe Saffron-Infused Pear Chutney
Elevate your culinary experiences with this vibrant Luxe Saffron-Infused Pear Chutney, a rich medley of flavors that captures the essence of autumn's bounty. Inspired by a fruitful season of windfall pears, this captivating chutney embraces the warm, aromatic notes of saffron. It is a versatile accompaniment, harmonizing beautifully with a wide variety of cheeses, notably robust hard cheeses like Farmhouse Cheddar, Gruyere, Comte, and Cantal. This chutney also pairs magnificently with cold meats and charcuterie, particularly enhancing cold roast ham. Use it to elevate your sandwiches or as a unique ingredient in curries and cooking sauces. With its complex flavors reaching their peak after 1-2 months, this chutney is not just a condiment but a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Dedicated to dear friends whose love for good food inspires creativity, this recipe is a celebration of flavor and fellowship.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooking apples
2 (peeled, cored & grated)
Onions
150 g (peeled & finely chopped)
Golden sultana raisins
150 g
Oranges
4 (juice and zest of)
Light brown sugar
300 g
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon
Freshly ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon
Saffron strands
3 pinches
Salt
2 teaspoons
Fresh gingerroot
50 g (grated)
White wine or cider vinegar
300 ml
Pears
750 g (peeled, cored and roughly chopped)
Tomatoes
350 g (roughly chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by gathering all ingredients except the pears and tomatoes.
2
In a large preserving pan, combine the grated cooking apples, finely chopped onions, golden sultana raisins, orange juice and zest, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, freshly ground nutmeg, cayenne pepper, saffron strands, salt, grated gingerroot, and white wine or cider vinegar.
3
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring continuously. Allow the chutney to cook for 30-45 minutes until it thickens to a syrupy consistency, thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4
Once the mixture has thickened, add the peeled, cored, and chopped pears, along with the roughly chopped tomatoes. Stir well and continue to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the pears are tender but not mushy.
5
Carefully pour the hot chutney into pre-warmed sterilized jars, sealing them immediately while hot.
6
Store the jars in a cool, dark place and allow the chutney to mature for at least 1-2 months for the best flavor development. Enjoy within 2 years.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Luxe Saffron-Infused Pear Chutney?
It is a vibrant, rich condiment made from pears, cooking apples, and saffron, designed to capture the essence of autumn.
Which cheeses pair best with this pear chutney?
It pairs beautifully with robust hard cheeses like Farmhouse Cheddar, Gruyere, Comte, and Cantal.
How long should I wait before eating the chutney?
For the best flavor development, it is recommended to allow the chutney to mature for at least 1-2 months.
What type of vinegar can I use in this recipe?
You can use either white wine vinegar or cider vinegar for this recipe.
When do I add the pears to the mixture?
Add the peeled, cored, and chopped pears after the initial mixture has simmered and thickened for 30-45 minutes.
How long does this chutney stay fresh?
When stored in a cool, dark place, this chutney can be enjoyed for up to 2 years.
Can this chutney be used in cooking?
Yes, it can be used as a unique ingredient to elevate curries and various cooking sauces.
What meat pairs well with this pear chutney?
It pairs magnificently with cold meats and charcuterie, particularly cold roast ham.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes for this recipe?
The recipe calls for roughly chopped tomatoes; peeling is not explicitly required but can be done if preferred.
How should the cooking apples be prepared?
The cooking apples should be peeled, cored, and grated before being added to the preserving pan.
What is the role of saffron in this recipe?
Saffron provides a warm, aromatic note and a vibrant color that defines the 'luxe' character of the chutney.
What kind of sugar is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 300g of light brown sugar.
How do I know when the initial mixture is thick enough?
The mixture should reach a syrupy consistency that is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Should the jars be hot when filling?
Yes, you should pour the hot chutney into pre-warmed sterilized jars and seal them immediately.
What spices are included in the chutney?
The recipe includes ground cinnamon, freshly ground nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and saffron strands.
Can I use fresh ginger?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 50g of grated fresh gingerroot.
How many oranges are needed?
You will need the juice and zest of 4 oranges.
What type of raisins are used?
The recipe calls for 150g of golden sultana raisins.
Is this chutney suitable for sandwiches?
Absolutely, it is recommended as a way to elevate the flavor profile of various sandwiches.
How long do the pears cook?
The pears should cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until they are tender but not mushy.
What is the total number of ingredients?
This recipe features a total of 14 ingredients.
Where is the best place to store the jars?
Store the jars in a cool, dark place to allow for proper maturation.
Is there any salt in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 teaspoons of salt.
What kind of onions should I use?
The recipe calls for 150g of peeled and finely chopped onions.
How much saffron is required?
The recipe uses 3 pinches of saffron strands.
Can I use cider vinegar instead of white wine?
Yes, cider vinegar is a perfectly acceptable alternative listed in the instructions.
What gives the chutney its heat?
A teaspoon of cayenne pepper provides a subtle warmth to the chutney.
Is this a good recipe for windfall pears?
Yes, the recipe was specifically inspired by a fruitful season of windfall pears.
Should the tomatoes be added at the start?
No, tomatoes are added later with the pears to ensure they maintain some texture.
Is the orange zest important?
Yes, the zest provides essential citrus aromatic notes that balance the heavy spices.