November 4, 2013

Green tomato and apple chutney


I have one last canning project to share with you for the season. This was one of my last canning projects and it is one you can still do if you have some green tomatoes lingering on your plants and some tart apples lingering in the refrigerator. It was driving me crazy that we had so many green tomatoes on our plant. I pickled a few jars, but wanted to try something different with them as well. In the past, I've made this plain green tomato chutney and froze it, but I wanted one that was canning safe (no freezer room plus I want to gift them) and I really wanted to incorporate apples because we had so many. Chutney is something that is easy to make. You really just chop and measure the ingredients and then cook it down in a pot for a while, giving it an occasional stir. These jars of chutney will make lovely holiday gifts as they are perfectly spiced to enjoy during the winter. I am aiming for a simple holiday season this year and part of that is homemade gifts. This chutney pairs beautifully with roasted meats, especially pork, turkey, and chicken, and I think it would be excellent with duck. It's perfect for a cheese plate or on a grilled panini with your favorite meat and cheese. I used this recipe from SB Canning. I am putting the whole recipe below with some minor modifications (I also made a half batch, which yielded 3 pints). As always, you should follow directions carefully when canning and use trusted recipes.


Green tomato and apple chutney
3 lbs. firm green tomatoes
2 lbs. firm tart apples
2 cups raisins (I used black)
1-1/2 cups diced onions (I used red)
2 teaspoons finely minced garlic
2 cups packed light brown suga
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pickling salt (I used sea salt)
1-1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger root
1-1/2 tablespoons mustard seeds
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes

Cut out the cores and any blemishes from the tomatoes. Chop and place them in a large pot. Core and dice the apples and add them to the pot. Add the raisins, onion, garlic, sugars, salt, and vinegar. Stir well and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and cook at a low boil, stirring often, for 30 minutes. 

Add the spices (ginger through red pepper) and stir well. Continue to cook at a low boil, stirring occasionally, until it reduces and will hold it's shape on a spoon, about 20 more minutes. 

Ladle the hot chutney into your prepared pint or half-pint jars leaving 1/2-inch of headspace. Wipe the rims with a damp paper towel. Top with prepared lids and rings. Process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes. Let sit and cool over night and check to ensure the jars have properly sealed. Store in a cool, dark place for up to one year.


What was I cooking one year ago?: Borscht
Two years ago?: apple-stuffed acorn squash 
Three?:  maple-mustard roasted baby turnips

18 comments:

  1. I've only made a couple of chutneys before and this one sounds much better. Always looking for more ways to use green tomatoes!

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  2. I would've never thought to combine these two flavors, but it sounds awesome, tart, and delicious. You ended canning season on a good note!

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  3. Tomato and apple...I like the combo in this delicious chutney.

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  4. Holy moly, these look AMAZING.

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  5. This chutney will make great gifts! I'd love to try this with a cheese plate.

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  6. I love chutneys, but this one is a combo I've never tried. It looks awesome though, and I'm now eager to give it a try :D

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  7. This chutney sounds amazing. I am sure whoever receives it for a gift will be thrilled.

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  8. I have not made green tomato chutney for so long - and your recipe sounds great :)

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  9. Its a wonderful version of chutney. Never made with green tomatoes yet I would love to try out. Usually my style is with red tomatoes and with lots of spices.

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  10. This chutney looks great, like those jars. I made lots of chutney too this year, so satisfying isn't it.

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  11. I love this kind of chutney! It'd be so good in a cheese sandwich.

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  12. Great sounding chutney, I made some a few weeks ago and am yet to try it!

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  13. I've made green apple tomato chutney before, but never with apple. Super idea! Yours looks most excellent - thanks.

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  14. I love how you dare to put flavors together that nobody else would have thought of! Awesome!!

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  15. Now this is a beautiful gift for Christmas baking. Love this idea!

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  16. Love the flavor combo of apples and green tomato! So unique :)

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  17. Replies
    1. Hi - I gave a few examples in the post. It's basically a condiment or sauce. You can serve it with roasted meats, especially pork or chicken, or paired with cheese on crackers or baguette....

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