Real South African Peach Chutney Recipes

FRESH PEACH CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 130 Degrees C (270F).Use glass jars, either new or recycled, with an airtight, metal lid. If recycling jars, ensure that the jars do not have cracks or chips and the lids are in good condition. Discard any lids that are pitted or rusted. Wash the jars and lids. If washing by hand, use hot, soapy water and then rinse them well. Alternatively, wash them in the dishwasher. Place jars and lids on a baking tray. Heat in the oven for at least 20 minutes. See Note 4.
• To peel the peaches, half fill a medium sized saucepan with water and bring it to the boil.Meanwhile, prepare a medium sized bowl of iced water.
• Make a cross incision on the base of the peaches and place them in the boiling water for approximately 20 seconds.
• Remove the peaches with a slotted spoon and place in the iced water bath to stop the cooking process.Remove the peach from the iced water when it is cool enough to handle. Use a small, sharp knife to peel the skin. It will easily peel off.
• Cut the peach in half, cutting around the pit using the natural indentation of the peach as a guide. Gently twist the halves in opposite directions to separate them.Carefully remove the pit with a sharp, pointed knife and discard the pit. Remove any bruises.
• Cut the peaches into large chunks. (About 2.5cm or 1 inch)
• Place all the ingredients into a large, non-reactive saucepan or stockpot. See Note 5.Stir over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves.
• Bring the chutney to boiling point and boil vigorously for one hour, stirring from time to time. Toward the end of the cooking time, the liquid will have reduced, and you will need to stir the chutney more frequently to avoid it catching and burning.
• Be aware that as the liquid reduces, the mixture may bubble and spit and you need to take great care. I suggest that to be on the safe side, you wear a garment with long sleeves to protect yourself and use a long handled wooden spoon.
• After one hour, remove the saucepan from the heat and stand for 10 minutes to allow the fruit to settle. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick.
• Remove your sterilised jars from the oven, and whilst they are still hot, fill with the chutney and seal the jars immediately.
• When the jars are cool enough to handle, remove any spills on the outside of the jars and label and date the chutney. Store it in a cool, dark, dry location. The chutney will keep for about one year. (See Note 6.)Set it aside for a minimum of one week, ideally two-four weeks. This will allow the flavours of the chutney to amalgamate and the vinegar to mellow.When removing chutney, always use a clean, dry spoon to avoid spoilage. Being extra cautious, I always store a jar in the fridge once it is opened.

PEACH CHUTNEY

Steps:

• In a large skillet, saute onions in oil until tender. Add peaches; cook and stir for 3 minutes. Add sugars, raisins, molasses, salt, pepper, allspice and 5 tablespoons of vinegar; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; stir in lemon juice and remaining vinegar. Serve at room temperature with ham, pork or poultry. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

PEACH CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil and fill a large bowl with ice water. Cut a small X in the base of each peach using a paring knife, then add to the boiling water and cook just long enough to loosen the skins, 20 to 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge into the ice water. Remove and peel off the skins, using a paring knife as needed. Pat dry, then chop the peaches into 1/4-inch pieces, discarding the pits.
• Combine the sugar, vinegar, red onion, raisins, ginger, lemon zest, cinnamon stick, a pinch of salt and 2 tablespoons water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the peaches and return to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low; cook, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are tender but still hold their shape and the liquid is syrupy, 30 to 35 minutes. If the chutney seems dry, add more water, 1 teaspoon at a time.
• Let the chutney cool, then transfer to a small jar and refrigerate at least 4 hours or up to 2 weeks.