Delia Smith's Green Tomato Chutney

Name: Delia Smith's Green Tomato Chutney
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h
Yield: Not specified
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1.1 kg green tomatoes, cored and chopped; 900 g onions; 1.1 kg cooking apples, quartered and cored; 450 g raisins; 6 large cloves garlic, crushed; 0.5 tbsp cayenne pepper; 0.5 tbsp salt; 2 level dessertspoons ground ginger; 625 g soft brown sugar (or Demerara); 25 g pickling spice; 1.75 liters genuine malt vinegar

Delia Smith's Green Tomato Chutney is a classic British condiment, merging the tanginess of green tomatoes with the sweetness of sugar and the depth of spices and vinegar. This chutney is perfect for enhancing the flavors of cheese, cold meats, and sandwiches, and can be a delightful addition to any ploughman's lunch or as a condiment for grilled meals.

Ingredients for Delia Smith's Green Tomato Chutney

Green Tomatoes: 1.1 kg (2.5 lb), cored and chopped
Onions: 900 g (2 lb)
Cooking Apples: 1.1 kg (2.5 lb), quartered and cored
Raisins: 450 g (1 lb)
Garlic: 6 large cloves, crushed
Cayenne Pepper: Half tablespoon
Salt: Half tablespoon
Ground Ginger: 2 level dessertspoons
Soft Brown Sugar (or Demerara): 625 g (1 lb 6 oz)
Pickling Spice: 25 g (1 oz)
Genuine Malt Vinegar: 1.75 litres (3 pints)

Preparation Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Begin by washing the tomatoes and cutting them into quarters. Similarly, peel and quarter the onions and apples, keeping the apples in water to prevent browning.
Chop and Mix: Use a food processor to chop the tomatoes, onions, raisins, and apples into small pieces, adding each to a preserving pan as you go.
Combine with Spices: Add the crushed garlic, cayenne pepper, salt, ginger, and sugar to the pan, mixing thoroughly.
Infuse with Pickling Spice: Place the pickling spice in a small piece of gauze, tie it up, and attach it to the pan handle so it hangs into the mixture.
Cook: Pour in the vinegar, bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook gently for about 3.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Jar: Once the chutney has thickened to a soft consistency and the spoon leaves a trail, it's ready. Pour the hot chutney into hot jars, sealing them immediately.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store the chutney in a cool, dry, dark place. It's recommended to wait at least three months before consuming to allow the flavors to mature.
Reheating: If needed, gently reheat the chutney on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving: Approximately 25 kcal, 0g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 6g total carbohydrate, 0g dietary fiber, 5g total sugars, 0g protein.

FAQ about Delia Smith's Green Tomato Chutney

Can I use ripe tomatoes?: The unique flavor of this chutney comes from green, unripe tomatoes. Ripe tomatoes will result in a different taste and texture.
Why is my chutney bitter?: Bitterness can result from overcooking or using older green tomatoes. Ensure your tomatoes are fresh and green.
How can I reduce the sourness?: Adjust the sugar level to balance the sourness of the vinegar and tomatoes.
What if my chutney is too watery?: If the chutney hasn't thickened enough, continue simmering until the desired consistency is reached.

Conclusion

Delia Smith's Green Tomato Chutney is more than just a condiment; it's a celebration of end-of-season produce and traditional preserving techniques. With its complex flavors and versatile uses, it's sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection. For those looking to try this at home, patience is key—allowing the chutney to mature will unveil its best taste.

Original recipe by Delia Smith.