Chutney is a preserve that seems to be a natural condiment added to many meals, but do you know where it comes from?
It is a condiment traditionally used in south-Asian cuisine that’s been westernized and can now be found in most grocery stores, and at Knapp’s Country Market. Our homemade chutneys are made in-house using fresh, local ingredients where possible and with our creative imaginations to make unique varieties that your taste buds will be happy you tried!
Similar in consistency to salsa or relish, chutney’s texture runs from fine to coarse and refers mostly to pickled preparations that are either sweet and sour or hot and spicy. Using a variety of fruits, sugar, vinegar and sometimes onion to accomplish that sour flavour, there is literally no end to the different types of chutney that can be made. Here at Knapp’s our most popular varieties include: rhubarb, peach, pear, tomato and cranberry.
Perhaps the most well known and best loved of all chutneys is mango chutney. Perfect served with meats and fish, chutneys are sometimes called mangoed because of the popular variety. Try making your own at home with this classic recipe:
Mango chutney
Ingredients:
1 lb green mangoes
1 cup vinegar
½ cup water
1 tsp red chili pepper
2 ½ cups sugar
4 tsp salt
2 tsp ginger
2 cloves garlic
¾ tsp cardamom
4 tsp raisins
Directions:
Wash and dry mangoes then peel and cut into thin, long slices.
Finely chop garlic and cut ginger into long, thin slices.
Cook the mango, garlic and ginger in water on low heat. When tender, add sugar, vinegar, chili pepper, cardamom, salt and stir until golden and thickened. Remove from heat, add raisins and mix well.
Cool the chutney and place in a sterilized, airtight jar. Store in a cool and dark place.
If making your own chutney isn’t your style, visit Knapp’s Country Market in Guelph to try one of ours!
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