Peppery Fig Chutney Recipes

FIG CHUTNEY

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, bring the red wine to a simmer and cook until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Add the figs, orange juice, honey, cayenne, rosemary and star anise and bring back to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the figs soften and the mixture thickens, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching on the bottom. Cool to room temperature before removing the anise and rosemary.

FRESH FIG CHUTNEY

Steps:

• In a large saucepan combine the vinegar, sugar, onion, ginger, mustard seeds, lemon zest, cinnamon stick, salt, allspice, and cloves and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until mixture is thickened and reduced by 2/3, forming a thick syrup. Add the figs and cook gently until the figs are very soft and beginning to fall apart and most of the liquid they've given off has evaporated, about 30 minutes.
• Transfer the chutney to a non-reactive container and allow to come to room temperature before serving. The chutney may be made up to 3 weeks in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. (Alternately, hot chutney may be ladled into hot sterilized canning jars and processed in a hot-water bath according to manufacturer's directions.)

FIG CHUTNEY

Steps:

• In a wide saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent, which will take about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add the remaining ingredients, except for the figs. Let cook at a low simmer for 20 minutes, then add the figs, cover the pot, and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, until the figs are tender and cooked through.
• Remove the lid and cook 10 to 15 minutes over low heat, stirring, until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like.

PEPPERY FIG CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Place peppercorns on a cutting board. Using the bottom of a small saucepan, crack peppercorns. Tie the thyme in a bundle with kitchen twine. Place peppercorns, dried figs, shallots, red wine, red-wine vinegar, thyme bundle, salt, and sugar in a medium saucepan. Set over medium-high heat, and bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to medium low, and simmer until figs are soft and the liquid has thickened, about 45 minutes.
• Remove and discard the thyme bundle. Stir in fresh figs. Cook, stirring frequently, until figs break down, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the pan from heat.
• Transfer to a large bowl set over an ice bath to chill; store in an airtight container, refrigerated, up to 4 weeks.

THREE-PEPPER CHUTNEY

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until thickened. Cool., Pour into a serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until chilled.

FRESH FIG CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Put all the ingredients in a pan and bring to a gentle simmer for 1 hr, uncovered, stirring occasionally until it gets sticky and jammy. Spoon into a clean Kilner jar. That's it. You're done.

FRESH FIG AND GINGER CHUTNEY FROM THE AUBERGE

Steps:

• Combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat, and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
• Uncover the pan and continue simmering for about an hour and a half, stirring often, until the chutney is reduced, thick and richly flavoured. If the chutney becomes too dry, add a splash of water. Taste and correct the seasoning, adding brown sugar, vinegar, or chilli flakes as needed. (Sometimes, depending on the water in the figs, this chutney can take over 2 hours to reduce.).
• Spoon into sterilised jars and seal. The chutney will keep for up to 8 or 9 months, unopened, in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 4 weeks.

CRANBERRY-PISTACHIO CHUTNEY WITH FIGS

Steps:

• Combine all the ingredients except the pistachios and figs in a 2 1/2-quart microwave-proof casserole dish and cover. Cook at 100 percent power in a 650- to 700-watt microwave carousel oven for 4 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chutney is boiling and the cranberries begin to burst open. Stir once during the cooking time.
• Remove from the oven. Stir in the pistachios and figs or raisins. Replace the cover and set aside to cool completely. Spoon the chutney into sterilized jars, cover and refrigerate. (For best results, let the chutney ripen for at least a day. If refrigerated and tightly covered, it will keep for several months.) Serve with grilled chicken, roast pork or turkey or on toast for breakfast.