Green Tomato Chutney

What is chutney

Chutney is a thick, aromatic condiment typically made with fruit or vegetables, vinegar, sugar, and a variety of spices. It can be sweet, tangy, spicy, or savory, and often combines several of these flavors at once. Green Tomato Chutney is especially interesting because of the slightly tart flavor of unripe tomatoes. As it cooks, that tartness is beautifully balanced by sugar, apples, and dried apricots. The result is a thick, rich, and incredibly versatile condiment.

Why you should make it at home

At the end of summer and throughout autumn, there are often plenty of tomatoes left on the plants that will no longer ripen because of the cooler temperatures. Instead of throwing them away, we can use them in a variety of dishes. One of the best ways to use them is to make homemade chutney.

What we especially love about this recipe:

• a great way to use up green tomatoes
• simple preparation
• long shelf life
• a lovely balance of sweet and tangy flavors
• plenty of ways to serve it
• perfect as a homemade edible gift

TOP 5 tips and tricks

Check out these tips to make preparing Green Tomato Chutney at home even easier.

1. Cut the tomatoes into evenly sized pieces. Cut the green tomatoes into approximately 2 cm (3/4-inch) pieces. This helps them soften evenly during the 1 1/2 hours of cooking while still leaving some texture in the finished chutney.

2. Peel the apples. The apples help create a thick, jammy texture. We recommend peeling and coring them first so the finished chutney has a smoother, more consistent texture.

3. Finely chop the dried apricots. Cut the apricots into very small pieces. As they cook, they will soften and almost melt into the other ingredients while adding a gentle natural sweetness.

4. Cook covered first, then uncovered. Cook the chutney covered for about 1 hour so the tomatoes, apples, and onions soften and release their juices. Then remove the lid and continue cooking for another 30 minutes, allowing the excess liquid to evaporate and the chutney to thicken.

5. Jar the chutney while it is still hot. Once the chutney is ready, transfer it immediately to sterilized jars while hot. This helps seal the jars properly and extends the shelf life.

What to serve with Green Tomato Chutney

This is one of those homemade condiments that can be used in so many different ways.

It pairs beautifully with a cheese board, roast pork, chicken, turkey, burgers, sausages, cold cuts, sandwiches, toast, pâté, and roasted vegetables. We especially love serving it with cheese and good bread.

You can also add a spoonful of chutney to a sandwich or burger, where it works as a flavorful alternative to sweeter sauces and adds a lovely tangy note.

How to make Green Tomato Chutney at home (video)

Check this short video to master the dish at home.

Storing

Properly prepared and preserved Green Tomato Chutney should be stored in a cool, dark place. According to the recipe, sealed and sterilized jars can be stored for up to one year.