Sweet & Zesty Apricot Lime Chutney
This Sweet & Zesty Apricot Lime Chutney is a delightful fusion of sweet apricots and tangy lime, perfectly complemented by the warmth of red onion and garlic. Ideal as a condiment for meats, cheeses, or simply served with crackers, this chutney is versatile and bursting with flavor. Easy to make in large batches, it's perfect for sharing with friends and family at gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift for special occasions.
25
Servings
100
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
apricots
5 kg (Score the skin, soak in boiling water, remove skin and pit.)
raw sugar
500 g (None)
red onion
1 (Sliced)
garlic cloves
2 (Chopped)
tomatoes
1 (Diced)
lime juice
200 ml (None)
red capsicum
1 (Seeded and diced)
salt
to taste (None)
pepper
to taste (None)
Instructions
1
Begin by scoring the skin of each apricot and place them in boiling water for about 2 minutes to loosen the skin.
2
Once the skin is easily removable, drain the apricots and rinse them in cold water before peeling off the skin.
3
Cut the apricots in half, remove the pits, and chop them coarsely into pieces.
4
In a large pot, combine the chopped apricots and raw sugar, stirring gently to mix.
5
Add the sliced red onion, chopped garlic, diced tomatoes, lime juice, and diced red capsicum to the pot.
6
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar.
7
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer, and allow the chutney to cook for 1-2 hours, or until the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency.
8
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and if desired, use an immersion blender to blend until smooth or leave it chunky for a more rustic texture.
9
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and continue simmering for a few more minutes.
10
Once done, allow to cool slightly before transferring to sterilized jars for storage.
Nutrition Information
0 g
Fat
24 g
Carbs
0.2 g
Protein
0.8 g
Fiber
20 g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet & Zesty Apricot Lime Chutney?
It is a delightful fusion of sweet apricots and tangy lime, complemented by red onion, garlic, and red capsicum, ideal as a condiment for meats and cheeses.
How many servings does this chutney recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 25 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in this chutney?
The main ingredients include 5kg of apricots, 500g of raw sugar, red onion, garlic, tomatoes, lime juice, and red capsicum.
How do I easily remove the skin from the apricots?
Score the skin of each apricot and place them in boiling water for about 2 minutes to loosen the skin before rinsing in cold water.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
While raw sugar is suggested, you can substitute it with white sugar or brown sugar, though the flavor and color may vary slightly.
How long does it take to cook the chutney?
After reaching a boil, the chutney needs to simmer for 1 to 2 hours until it reaches a thick, syrupy consistency.
Is this apricot lime chutney gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
What are some serving suggestions for this chutney?
It is excellent with grilled meats, assorted cheeses, or served simply with crackers.
Do I have to peel the apricots?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skin on if you prefer a more rustic, fibrous chutney.
Can I make a smaller batch of this recipe?
Yes, you can easily halve or quarter the ingredients to make a smaller quantity.
How do I know when the chutney is finished cooking?
The chutney is ready when the mixture has thickened to a syrupy consistency and the fruit has broken down.
Can I use a different type of onion?
Red onion is used for its mild flavor and color, but yellow or white onions can be used as a substitute.
Should I use fresh or bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice provides the best flavor, but bottled lime juice can be used for convenience.
Is this chutney spicy?
No, this is a sweet and zesty recipe. If you want heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or fresh chilies.
How should I store the finished chutney?
Transfer the chutney to sterilized jars while still warm and store in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator.
How long will this chutney keep?
When stored in sterilized jars, it can last several months; once opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator and consumed within a few weeks.
Can I freeze this chutney?
Yes, you can freeze the chutney in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this recipe?
Any ripe tomato works well, though Roma tomatoes are often preferred for their lower water content.
Can I add other spices to the mix?
Absolutely. Spices like ginger, cinnamon, or cloves can be added to customize the flavor profile.
Do I need an immersion blender?
An immersion blender is optional; use it if you want a completely smooth chutney, otherwise, keep it chunky for texture.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
Can I use dried apricots instead of fresh?
While fresh apricots are preferred, you can use dried apricots if you rehydrate them in water or juice first.
What does 'scoring' the skin mean?
Scoring means making a shallow 'X' cut in the skin of the fruit, which helps the skin peel away easily after blanching.
Why do I need to sterilize the jars?
Sterilizing jars is crucial to remove bacteria and ensure the chutney remains safe for long-term storage.
Can I use lemon juice instead of lime juice?
Yes, lemon juice is a suitable substitute, though it will change the flavor from zesty lime to a more traditional citrus taste.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, all ingredients are plant-based, making it suitable for a vegan diet.
How much sugar is in each serving?
There are approximately 20 grams of sugar per serving.
Can I add chili to make it a spicy chutney?
Yes, adding finely diced red chilies or a teaspoon of chili flakes during the boiling process will add a nice heat.
Is this recipe suitable for water-bath canning?
Yes, because of the sugar and lime juice content, this chutney is generally suitable for water-bath canning for long-term shelf stability.
Can I substitute the red capsicum?
Yes, you can use green or yellow capsicum, though the red variety adds a specific sweetness and color to the chutney.