Zingy Plum Chutney Recipe: A Sweet & Tangy Flavor Explosion

Crafting a delightful plum chutney brings unexpected bursts of tangy sweetness to your culinary adventures.

Ripe summer fruits mingle with aromatic spices, creating a complex flavor profile that dances across your palate.

Preserving seasonal produce becomes an art form through this simple yet sophisticated condiment.

Small batches of homemade chutney can transform ordinary meals into memorable dining experiences.

Warm spices like cinnamon and star anise complement the natural richness of plums, adding depth and complexity.

Indian and British cooking traditions inspire this versatile accompaniment that pairs beautifully with cheeses, grilled meats, and sandwiches.

You’ll want to savor every spoonful of this vibrant, homemade treasure.

Why Mary Berry Plum Chutney Stands Out

• Preserve Summer's Bounty: Capture the vibrant flavors of fresh plums in a delightful chutney that transforms seasonal fruit into a long-lasting, versatile condiment.
• Master Artisan Preservation: Learn a simple yet sophisticated technique to create a homemade preserve that elevates your culinary skills with minimal kitchen expertise.
• Versatile Flavor Companion: Pair this rich, tangy chutney with cheeses, meats, sandwiches, or use as a gourmet gift that impresses friends and family with its complex taste profile.
• Slow-Cooked Satisfaction: Enjoy the meditative process of cooking down plums into a thick, glossy spread that develops deep, concentrated flavors through patient simmering.

What You’ll Need For Mary Berry Plum Chutney

• Plums: Ripe, sweet-tart stone fruits that form the base of the chutney and provide natural flavor and thickness.

• Ginger, Garlic: Adds warm, sharp depth and aromatic complexity to the chutney.
• Chili Peppers: Introduces a spicy kick and vibrant heat to the condiment.

• Sugar, Salt: Balances the flavors, helps with preservation, and enhances the overall taste of the chutney.
• Vinegar: Provides acidity and acts as a natural preservative for the chutney.

Steps To Make Mary Berry Plum Chutney

Step 1: Prepare Plum Base

Gather all your plums and rinse them thoroughly under cool water. Remove any stems or damaged parts, then chop the plums into small, bite-sized pieces that will break down easily during cooking.

Step 2: Combine Flavor Ingredients

• Vinegar
• Onions
• Ginger
• Spices
• Chili peppers

Mix these ingredients gently to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Step 3: Simmer and Soften

Place the pot on medium heat and allow the mixture to slowly come to a gentle simmer. Cook the plums and ingredients, stirring occasionally, until the plums become soft and start to break down. This process typically takes about 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Sweeten and Enhance

Add sugar to the pot and stir thoroughly to help it dissolve completely. Sprinkle in additional salt to balance the sweet and tangy flavors. Continue stirring to prevent any burning or sticking.

Step 5: Reduce and Thicken

Keep the chutney at a low simmer, uncovered, and stir frequently. Allow the mixture to reduce and thicken, which usually takes around an hour. The consistency should become jam-like and glossy.

Step 6: Preserve and Store

While the chutney is still hot, carefully spoon it into sterilized glass jars. Seal the jars tightly and let them cool completely. Store in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks to allow the flavors to mature and develop.

Tips For Great Mary Berry Plum Chutney

• Patience Pays Off: Allow the chutney to mature for at least two weeks, letting flavors meld and intensify for a more complex taste profile.
• Perfect Consistency Trick: Stir frequently during the final simmering stage to prevent burning and achieve that ideal thick, jammy texture.
• Jar Selection Matters: Use clean, sterilized glass jars to ensure food safety and preserve the chutney's quality for months.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Adjust salt and sugar levels to your taste, but remember that the flavors will develop and balance during the maturation period.
• Storage Wisdom: Keep the sealed chutney jars in a cool, dark place to maintain their vibrant flavor and prevent spoilage.

Ideas To Switch Up Mary Berry Plum Chutney

• Spicy Plum Chutney: Replace some plums with hot peppers like jalapeños or habaneros for a fiery kick.
• Herbal Garden Chutney: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage during cooking for an aromatic herb-infused version.
• Low-Sugar Plum Chutney: Substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup, reducing total sweetener amount by 25-30%.
• Vegan Friendly Option: Ensure all ingredients are plant-based and use organic cane sugar for a completely vegan chutney preparation.

Good Sides For Mary Berry Plum Chutney

• Pair with Creamy Cheese Delights: Spread this tangy plum chutney over soft goat cheese or brie for a delectable appetizer that balances sweet and rich flavors.
• Complement Roasted Meats: Serve alongside grilled pork tenderloin or roasted duck to add a vibrant, fruity contrast that elevates the main dish's savory profile.
• Match with Crisp White Wines: Select a Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the chutney's sweet-tart notes, creating a harmonious taste experience that dances on the palate.
• Enhance Charcuterie Boards: Use as a zesty condiment on artisan cheese and cured meat platters, adding depth and excitement to every bite of your grazing spread.

How To Store Mary Berry Plum Chutney

• Transfer cooled chutney to airtight glass containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Ensure the seal is tight to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Keep sealed jars in a cool, dark pantry for 6-12 months. Check seals periodically and discard if any signs of mold or unusual odors appear.
• Portion chutney into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm small portions in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Microwave in short bursts if needed, stirring between intervals to ensure even heating.

Mary Berry Plum Chutney Answers You Need

• What are the key spices used in this plum chutney?

The recipe typically includes warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and possibly cloves, which add depth and complexity to the sweet-tangy flavor profile.

• How do I know when the chutney has reached the right consistency?

When the mixture becomes thick and jam-like, and you can draw a line through it with a spoon that doesn’t immediately fill back in, it’s ready to be jarred.

• Can I adjust the sweetness of the chutney?

Yes, you can modify the sugar quantity to suit your taste preferences, but be careful not to drastically reduce it as sugar helps with preservation and texture.

• Is this plum chutney suitable for canning?

Absolutely! Follow proper sterilization techniques for jars and the detailed cooking process to ensure safe preservation for several months.

Plum Chutney Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homemade Plum Chutney delivers sweet-tangy magic from ripe summer fruits, blending spices and traditional Indian flavors into a perfect condiment. Seasonal plums create a rich preserve perfect for cheese plates, grilled meats, or spreading across warm naan bread.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits and Vegetables:

• 1 kg (2.2 pounds) plums, halved and stoned
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon black mustard seed
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt

Dried Fruits and Liquids:

• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) raisins or sultanas
• 100 milliliters (3.4 fluid ounces) red wine
• 50 milliliters (1.7 fluid ounces) red wine
• 350 grams (12.3 ounces) light muscovado sugar

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Instructions

1. Allow the chutney to develop its complex flavor profile by aging for a minimum of two weeks before serving.
2. In a spacious cooking vessel, amalgamate the plums with all complementary ingredients, excluding the sugar.
3. Elevate the mixture to a gentle simmer, maintaining a low heat that softens the plums to a tender consistency within 15-20 minutes.
4. Incorporate the sugar and an additional pinch of salt, carefully stirring until completely dissolved.
5. Continue simmering the mixture without a lid, periodically stirring to prevent scorching, until the texture transforms into a thick, glossy preserve – approximately one hour.
6. While the chutney is still piping hot, carefully transfer into thoroughly sanitized glass containers, ensuring an airtight seal before storing in a cool, shadowy location.

Notes

• Aging the chutney develops a richer, more complex flavor profile, allowing ingredients to meld together perfectly.
• Use ripe, firm plums for the best texture and balance of sweetness and tartness in the chutney.
• Consider adding warming spices like cinnamon or star anise to enhance the depth of flavor and create a more sophisticated condiment.
• Adjust sugar levels based on the natural sweetness of your plums, tasting and balancing as you cook to achieve the ideal sweet-tangy combination.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 35-40 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 262
• Sugar: 58 g
• Sodium: 167 mg
• Fat: 0.3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 67 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1.4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg