Cherry Chutney

Cherry Chutney Recipe - Vegan & Vegetarian Food from Bangladesh

Region / culture: Asia, Bangladesh, Southern Asia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Cherry chutney is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes. The sweet and sour flavors of the cherries combined with the tanginess of vinegar and spices make this chutney a perfect addition to your meals.

History

Chutneys have been a part of Indian cuisine for centuries, with each region having its own unique variations. Cherry chutney is a modern twist on traditional chutneys, incorporating the sweet and tart flavors of cherries into the mix.

Ingredients

25 to 30 sweet-sour cherries, washed and dried
0.5 cup white vinegar
0.33 cup lukewarm water
0.5 tsp ginger paste
0.33 tsp garlic paste
3 to 5 tbsp brown or white sugar
0.25 tsp salt
1 dried red chili, sliced

How to prepare

In a pan, bring vinegar and water to a boil. Add ginger, garlic, and red chili to the mixture.
Once the mixture starts boiling, add the cherries along with salt and sugar.
Cook the cherries on low-to-moderate heat until they absorb all the vinegar and are fully cooked. Transfer the fruit-based chutney to a large bowl.
Serve the chutney as a dip or as an accompaniment to any meal.

Variations

You can add other fruits such as apples or pears to the chutney for a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with different spices like cinnamon or cloves for a unique twist.

Notes

Adjust sugar according to the sweetness of cherries and your taste.
Adjust chilli according to taste.
Substitute Topa Kool for cherries if you can get it.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to pit the cherries before adding them to the chutney to avoid any unwanted crunchiness.

- Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preference. You can use brown sugar for a richer flavor or white sugar for a lighter taste.

- Store the chutney in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry chutney can be served with grilled meats, cheese platters, or as a topping for sandwiches and burgers.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a good cherry chutney is to cook the cherries on low heat until they are soft and have absorbed all the flavors of the spices and vinegar.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cherries, you can use other fruits like cranberries or plums to make a similar chutney. You can also use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar for a different taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Cherry chutney can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve cherry chutney in a small bowl or jar with a spoon for easy serving. You can also garnish it with fresh herbs or spices for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Cherry chutney pairs well with grilled meats, cheese, and crackers. It can also be served with Indian dishes like biryani or kebabs.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store cherry chutney in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of cherry chutney contains approximately 50-60 calories, making it a low-calorie condiment.

Carbohydrates

Cherry chutney is a carbohydrate-rich condiment, with the cherries and sugar providing the majority of the carbs in the recipe.

Fats

Cherry chutney is a low-fat condiment, with minimal fat content coming from the small amount of oil used in cooking.

Proteins

Cherry chutney is a protein-free condiment, as the main ingredients are fruits and spices.

Vitamins and minerals

Cherry chutney is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the cherries and other ingredients used in the recipe. It also contains small amounts of other vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Cherry chutney may contain allergens such as sulfites from the vinegar used in the recipe. Be sure to check the labels if you have any allergies.

Summary

Cherry chutney is a flavorful condiment that is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy addition to your meals.

Summary

Cherry chutney is a delicious and versatile condiment that can add a burst of flavor to your meals. With its sweet and sour taste, it is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Cherry Chutney. It was handed down to me by my own grandmother, who had learned it from her dear friend many years ago. The recipe itself was a treasured secret, passed down through generations, and I felt honored to be entrusted with it.

I can still picture the day when my grandmother first taught me how to make this delicious chutney. We were in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of home cooking. She handed me a worn recipe card, faded with age and stained with years of use. The handwriting was elegant and precise, a testament to the care and attention that had gone into creating this dish.

As she guided me through the steps, I watched in awe as she effortlessly transformed a handful of simple ingredients into a complex and flavorful chutney. The cherries were plump and ripe, bursting with sweetness and tanginess. The spices added a warmth and depth of flavor that lingered on the palate long after the last bite was gone.

But it wasn't just the taste of the chutney that captivated me. It was the process of creating something beautiful and delicious from scratch, using time-honored techniques and recipes passed down through generations. It was a connection to my roots, to my family history, and to the traditions that had shaped me into the cook I was today.

I learned that the key to making a perfect cherry chutney lay in the balance of flavors – the sweetness of the cherries, the tartness of the vinegar, the warmth of the spices. Each ingredient played a crucial role, and it was up to me to bring them together in harmony.

Over the years, I have made this cherry chutney countless times, each batch a little different from the last. Sometimes I add a pinch of cinnamon for an extra layer of complexity, or a splash of brandy for a touch of richness. Each time, I am transported back to that moment in my grandmother's kitchen, learning from her with love and patience.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition that was so generously given to me. Each time someone takes a bite of my cherry chutney, they are tasting not just a delicious condiment, but a piece of my family history, a connection to the past that lives on through the food we eat.

As I sit here now, writing down the story of how I learned to make this cherry chutney, I am filled with gratitude for all the women who came before me, who passed down their knowledge and their love through the simple act of cooking. I am proud to carry on their legacy, to keep their recipes alive and their memories close to my heart.

And so, whenever I make a batch of cherry chutney, I do it with a sense of reverence and gratitude for all those who have taught me along the way. I know that with each spoonful, I am not just feeding my body, but nourishing my soul with the taste of tradition, love, and family.