Chutney Mon!

The favorite accompaniment to a meal is chutney. Mango chutney, with its roots in India, is found in most of Caribbean islands. Though there are many recipes for chutney, the basic ingredients remain the same: mango, sugar, raisins, vinegar, onions, herbs, spices, and hot pepper (Scotch bonnet).

The quanity and proportion of the ingredients is up to the individual. You want hot? Add more herbs, spices and hot pepper. Or mild? Then you go light on these three ingredients.

This is an old Trini standard.

12 ripe mangoes, peel and diced
1 tbsp ginger, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 ozs. raisins
8 ozs tamarind pulp
2 tbsp salt
1 cup sugar or splender
4 cups white vinegar

Put all ingredients in food processor except sugar and vinegar.
Process to combine and put in a large jar.
Pour vinegar over ingredients and close jar. Soak overnight.
Next morning add sugar and vinegar, put in a sauce pan and bring to a boil on medium heat.
Reduce heat and simmer till thick stirring frequently.
Put in gift bottles and enjoy on crackers, bread or meats.

My British Quickie.

2 granny smith apples peel and grated
4 tbsp. good apricot jam
2 tbsp. white vinegar
1/4 bunch cilantro or mint leaves, chopped
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Mix all the ingredients and let it sit for at least 1 hour.
The taste should be both sharp and sweet.
Sure, serve it with lamb!

Roots version.

1 cup dark brown sugar
1 1/2 cup white vinegar
2 large cloves of garlic, minced
1 sctotch pepper, minced with some seeds to taste
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup ginger, minced
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp gr. cumin
1/4 tsp gr. masala
1/2 tsp salt
3 firm ripe mangoes, peel and diced into 1 inch pieces

In a stainless steel pot on a medium high heat, add vinegar, brown sugar and spices. Bring to a boil while stirring.
Stir ingredient and add mango chunks. Reduce heat to medium and cook to a thick consistency, stirring to prevent sticking.
Though chutneys are made for particular dishes, and should be made in small quantities for immediate use; store any leftovers in the refrigerator.