Summer Squash Chutney Recipes

SPICY SQUASH & APPLE CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large preserving pan, then gently fry the onions, ginger, chilli, cardamom, cinnamon, mustard and cumin seeds together for 5 mins, until the spices are aromatic.
• Stir the garlic, squash and apples into the onions, then cook for 10-15 mins more, until the onions and apples are soft and the squash yields a little here and there.
• Stir in the turmeric and sugar and let it melt around the vegetables. Simmer for 5 mins - this process almost candies the chunks of pumpkin, so that it doesn't entirely break down during the next step.
• Pour in the vinegar, season with 2 tsp salt, then bring the chutney back to a simmer. Cook, stirring regularly, for about 30 mins or until the apple has cooked down to make a squishy base for the chutney, with chunks of tender pumpkin here and there, and a little syrupiness at the bottom of the pan - you don't want the chutney to be too dry as it will thicken as it cools.
• Spoon the hot chutney into sterilised jars and seal. The chutney can be eaten straight away, or left to mellow in a dark place. You can store it for up to six months.

SUMMER SQUASH CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Peel and core the squash and apples.
• Chop the squash and apples with the tomatoes and onions.
• Put this mixture into a saucepan with the remaining ingredients.
• Cook over a low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved.
• Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
• Pour into warm sterilized jars and seal.

SUMMER SQUASH CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Put a large colander inside a large bowl.
• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add a third of the squash to the skillet, arrange in a single layer and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, tossing occasionally, until the squash begins to soften and are golden brown spots, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the colander. Repeat 2 more times using 2 tablespoons of butter for each batch and sprinkling with 1/2 teaspoon salt and few grinds of pepper. Transfer each batch to the colander.
• Add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet along with the pepper and onion and cook, stirring occasionally scraping up any brown bits, until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Let cool for 5 minutes then fold into the squash. Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart casserole dish.
• Whisk together the sour cream, eggs, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl. Fold in the Cheddar, thyme and chives. Pour over the squash making sure that some of the mixture sinks down to the bottom.
• Microwave the remaining tablespoon of butter in a medium bowl until melted. Fold in the crackers and hot sauce. Sprinkle evenly over the squash. Bake until the eggs are cooked through and the crackers are golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

SEASONAL CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Make your spice bag by tying up the spices in an 8-inch square of cheesecloth. Put this into a preserving pan with all the other ingredients and bring slowly to a boil, stirring occasionally. This will take awhile, as there will be lots in the pan, but don't hurry it.
• Let the mixture simmer, uncovered, for 2 1/2 to 3 hours - maybe even a bit more. You do not have to hover, hawk-eyed, over the pan, but do keep an eye on it and stir regularly to ensure it doesn't burn. It's ready when it is glossy, thick, rich in color and well reduced - but with the chunks of fruit and vegetables still clearly discernible. It is thick enough if, when you draw a wooden spoon through it, the chutney parts to reveal the bottom of the pan for a few seconds.
• Pot the chutney while warm in sterilized jars (see p. 21). Pack down with the back of a spoon to remove any air pockets. Seal with vinegar-proof lids (see p. 22). Store in a cool, dark place for a couple of months to mature before using. Use within 2 years.
• For each variation, use 2 1/2 cups of light brown sugar, 2 1/2 cups of cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, a pinch of salt, and 2 teaspoons of dried chile flakes (if using) and follow the basic method.

YELLOW SUMMER SQUASH RELISH

Steps:

• In a large container, combine squash, onions, green pepper and salt. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Drain; rinse and drain again., In a Dutch oven, combine sugar, vinegar and seasonings; bring to a boil. Add squash mixture; return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat., Carefully ladle hot mixture into 6 hot 1-pint jars, leaving 1/2-in. headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot mixture. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight. , Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process for 15 minutes. Remove jars and cool. Refrigerate remaining relish for up to 1 week.

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Place butternut squash on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
• Bake in the preheated oven until fork-tender, about 20 minutes. Transfer butternut squash to a large bowl.
• Meanwhile, combine apples, brown sugar, onion, vinegar, turmeric, chile powder, cinnamon, cumin, ginger, and garlic powder in a saucepan over low heat. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until apples and onion are soft, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Add apple mixture to butternut squash in the bowl and stir gently to combine. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator.