Everyone in Ireland knows the Indian Mango Chutney, one of my favourites to be honest. But I want to make something different. People don't know what to do with Chutneys beside using it as a condiment to a Curry. Chutney is a condiment but you don't have to stick with the same old Curry or piece of cheese as a partner. Chutney is great on a sandwich, it adds depth to a regular ol' toastie or a nice fresh baquette with veggies. Ever tried to stuff a porkchop or chickenbreast with it?
I like to play with food so I don't want to make just Chutneys alone and have been experimenting with Jams as well. What is the difference you think? Well Chutney has a combination of sugar and vinegar, most of the time with the addition of onions, while Jam has fruit and sugar. One of the Jams I make is a Fig Jam. Figs are sweet and full of seeds like the strawberry so don't eat it just before an important meeting or first date, as someone might point out the "things" between your teeth. But again don't think of this Jam as something that you can only put on a sandwich. It's amazing, slightly heated, on vanilla-icecream. Or added to the braising-liquid of your sunday roast. Use it over your grilled meat just before serving.
Have you tried the Chilli Jam yet? I got myself nice dried chillies from New Mexico, USA, and will be experimenting with these to come up with a different Chilli Jam. Guajillo, Pasilla and Ancho chillies make great Mexican dishes but more about that soon.
I also try to use seasonal ingredients, organic where possible. At the moment we are between seasons and it is hard to get fruit and veggies. But having said that, the Spicy Carrot Chutney gives you a hint of summer, sweet with a bite. See the Pork Recipe if you don't know what to do with it.
This week my Lemon Chutney will be hitting the stand and this is so good with a spicy Curry. I know what you are thinking, "see you can only eat Chutney with Curry". So why not try it as part of a marinade for Chicken, great on the summer BBQ, or eat it with Beef or Mutton.
Be creative!!
At the moment I am only at the Milltown Farmersmarket (http://www.milltownfarmersmarket.com) on saturday but hopefully I can be seen on other markets in the county in the near future.
Oh and if you give me back the jar for re-use I will give you 20ct back. That saves you a trip to the bottleback and we do something good for the environment.
WayHey!
Love the site. Love the concept. Wish I was close enough to get some Chutney!
Way to go.
Posted by: Podchef | May 04, 2006 at 08:49 AM