A thick, golden, gently spiced pear chutney with ginger, sultanas and a little chilli. Make it in October and it is perfectly mellow for Christmas cheese boards.
Servings 5jars (340 g)
Course Jams & Preserves
Cuisine British
Ingredients
1kgfirm pearsabout 7, peeled, cored and cut into 1 cm dice
2mediumonionsfinely chopped
1cooking applepeeled, cored and chopped (helps it thicken)
1tspground mixed spiceor 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 tsp allspice
1/2tspchilli flakesoptional
1tspsalt
Method
Put everything into a large, heavy-based, non-reactive pan (stainless steel or enamel, not aluminium or copper).
Heat gently, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Then bring to a simmer.
Cook uncovered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring more often towards the end as it thickens so it doesn't catch.
It is ready when you can drag a wooden spoon across the bottom of the pan and the channel stays open for a few seconds before filling in.
Meanwhile sterilise your jars in a 140°C (275°F) oven for 15 minutes, or boil them for 10 minutes. Use lids with a plastic or vinegar-proof lining.
Spoon the hot chutney into the hot jars, pressing out air pockets, leave 1 cm headspace and seal. For a shelf-stable seal, process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Label and store in a cool, dark place for at least 4 weeks before opening, so the flavours can mellow.