Delia Smith Christmas Chutney Recipes

SPICED APRICOT AND ORANGE CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Begin by chopping the apricots into smallish chunks, then place them in a sieve and rinse them under cold water. Shake off the excess water and put them in a large saucepan. Now place the coriander seeds in your smallest saucepan and heat the pan whilst tossing the seeds around it - as soon as they begin to splutter transfer them to a pestle and mortar and crush them lightly before sprinkling them over the apricots. Add all the remaining ingredients to the apricots, then heat gently, stirring all the time until the sugar crystals have dissolved. Next bring everything up to simmering point and simmer the chutney (covered) for 45 minutes-1 hour. The apricots and onion need to be quite tender, but it's important not to overcook the chutney or it will be too thick - the right consistency is like chunky rather than liquid jam. Remember, too, that it does thicken as it cools down. When it's ready, spoon into the warmed, sterilised jar and seal straightaway, then label when cold. This is best kept for 1 month before eating.

MARY BERRY'S CHRISTMAS CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Peel the tomatoes - prick them with a sharp knife, place in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Leave for a few seconds then drain and cover with cold water. The skins will now come away easily.
• Chop the tomatoes and aubergine and seed and chop the peppers. Put in a large heavy-based pan with the onions and garlic and bring to the boil. Cover with a lid, lower the heat and gently simmer for about one hour, stirring occasionally, until tender.
• Tip the sugar, vinegar, salt, coriander, paprika and cayenne into the pan and bring to the boil over a medium heat, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved. Continue to boil for 30 minutes or so, until the mixture achieves a chunky chutney consistency and the surplus watery liquid has evaporated. Take care towards the end of the cooking time to continue stirring so that the chutney doesn't catch on the bottom of the pan.
• Ladle the chutney into sterilised or dishwasher-clean jars (Kilner jars are ideal) and top with paper jam covers. Seal the jars while still hot. Leave to mature for at least a month in a cool dark place.