Savory Sweet Tomato & Almond Chutney
This Savory Sweet Tomato & Almond Chutney, inspired by Madhur Jaffrey's renowned Indian culinary artistry, is a delectable blend of flavors that adds a unique touch to any meal. Bursting with the rich taste of ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and zesty ginger, this chutney strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and tang, making it an ideal companion for savory dishes, grilled meats, or even as an exquisite spread for sandwiches. The addition of golden raisins and crunchy slivered almonds elevates the texture and flavor profile, ensuring this chutney is not only a delightful condiment but also a star at any dinner party. With its long shelf life when stored in the refrigerator, you can always have a jar on hand to enhance your meals, delight your guests, or simply enjoy on your own.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic
1 head (peeled, coarsely chopped)
Fresh Ginger
1 piece (about 2 inches long, 1 inch thick and wide) (peeled, coarsely chopped)
Red Wine Vinegar
1 1/2 cups
Canned Whole Tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (or 2 lbs fresh tomatoes if available)
Sugar
1 1/2 cups
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
Cayenne Pepper
1/8-1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Golden Raisins
2 tablespoons
Blanched Slivered Almonds
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Start by combining the chopped garlic, ginger, and 1/2 cup of red wine vinegar in an electric blender. Blend at high speed until completely smooth. Set aside.
2
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot (at least 4-quart capacity), add the canned whole tomatoes (with their juice), the remaining 1 cup of red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder heat, you can hold back on the cayenne and add it later to taste.
3
Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, stirring occasionally.
4
Once boiling, carefully add the garlic and ginger puree from the blender into the pot, stirring well to combine.
5
Reduce the heat to low and allow the chutney to simmer gently, uncovered, for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally, and increase the frequency as the chutney thickens to prevent sticking.
6
Watch closely as the chutney thickens; you may need to adjust the heat to avoid burning. The chutney is ready when it clings to a spoon like honey.
7
If your canned tomatoes were particularly juicy, you might need to cook it for a longer time, resulting in a bit less chutney.
8
Once thickened to your desired consistency, stir in the blanched slivered almonds and golden raisins. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
9
Turn off the heat and allow the chutney to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it into sterilized jars.
10
Store the chutney in the refrigerator. It can be enjoyed for months!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who inspired the Savory Sweet Tomato & Almond Chutney recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the renowned Indian culinary artistry of Madhur Jaffrey.
What are the primary flavors of this chutney?
The chutney features a blend of ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and zesty ginger, striking a balance between sweetness and tang.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this chutney.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones?
Yes, you can substitute the 28-ounce can of whole tomatoes with 2 lbs of fresh tomatoes if they are available.
How much garlic is needed for the chutney?
The recipe calls for one full head of garlic, peeled and coarsely chopped.
What type of vinegar should be used?
The recipe specifically requires 1 1/2 cups of red wine vinegar.
How do I prepare the ginger for this recipe?
Use a piece of fresh ginger about 2 inches long (1 inch thick and wide), peeled and coarsely chopped.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to blend the chopped garlic, ginger, and 1/2 cup of red wine vinegar in an electric blender until completely smooth.
What size pot is recommended for cooking the chutney?
A large, heavy-bottomed pot with at least a 4-quart capacity is recommended.
How much sugar is included in the mixture?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of sugar.
Can I adjust the level of spiciness?
Yes, you can adjust the cayenne pepper (between 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon) to taste or add it later to ensure a milder heat.
At what stage do I add the garlic and ginger puree?
Add the puree to the pot once the tomato and vinegar mixture has been brought to a vigorous boil.
How long should the chutney simmer?
The chutney should simmer gently, uncovered, for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Should the pot be covered while the chutney simmers?
No, the chutney should be simmered uncovered to allow it to thicken.
How do I know when the chutney is finished cooking?
The chutney is ready when it has thickened enough to cling to a spoon like honey.
What should I do if my tomatoes are very juicy?
If the tomatoes are particularly juicy, you may need to cook the mixture for a longer time, which might result in a slightly smaller yield.
When do I add the almonds and raisins?
The blanched slivered almonds and golden raisins should be stirred in once the chutney has reached your desired thickness.
How long do I cook the chutney after adding the almonds and raisins?
Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes after adding the almonds and raisins to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the final step before jarring the chutney?
Turn off the heat and allow the chutney to cool completely before transferring it to jars.
What type of jars should be used for storage?
The chutney should be stored in sterilized jars.
How should the chutney be stored?
The chutney must be stored in the refrigerator.
How long does this chutney stay fresh?
When stored in the refrigerator, this chutney can be enjoyed for months.
What are some suggested food pairings for this chutney?
It pairs well with savory dishes, grilled meats, or can be used as a spread for sandwiches.
Are the almonds used in the recipe whole or sliced?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of blanched slivered almonds.
What type of raisins are used?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of golden raisins.
Is this chutney considered a spicy dish?
It can have a kick due to the cayenne pepper, but it is primarily a balance of savory, sweet, and tangy.
Does the recipe require frequent stirring?
Yes, you should stir occasionally at first and increase the frequency as the chutney thickens to prevent sticking or burning.
What is the purpose of the almonds in this recipe?
The slivered almonds add a crunchy texture and elevate the flavor profile of the condiment.
What cuisine category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as Indian cuisine.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include Indian cuisine, chutney, sauce, sweet, tomato, almond, and preserve.