It’s that time of year again — there are still some ripe red tomatoes, lots of basil and a couple of eggplants in my garden, but mostly green tomatoes, (mostly still-green cherry tomatoes). They’ll ripen if I keep them on the vine but frankly, I have had so much success in the past using them for chutney, that that’s what I’ve been doing.
This chutney lasts for months in the fridge. I always make a few jars of it. We love it with any kind of meat and also roasted or grilled chicken. Think of this as a good relish that pairs well with your Thanksgiving turkey.
It’s a good gift too, for the chutney lovers in your life.
FRUIT AND GREEN TOMATO CHUTNEY
6 apples or pears, peeled, cored and chopped
2 pounds green tomatoes, chopped
2 medium onions, peeled and chopped
2 small chili peppers such as serrano, deseeded and chopped
1 large clove garlic, chopped
2-1/2 cups chopped dried fruit (such as figs, dates, apricots, pears, raisins)
1/2 cup crystallized ginger
3 cups any kind of fruit vinegar
1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar
2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoon mustard seeds
Place the fresh fruit, tomatoes, onions, chili peppers, garlic, dried fruit, crystallized ginger, cider vinegar, Balsamic vinegar, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, kosher salt and mustard seed in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 2 to 2-1/2 hours or until very thick.
Makes about 6 cups