Taste of Summer Strawberry Chutney

The Taste of Summer: Strawberry Chutney Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

This Taste of Summer Strawberry Chutney recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that is perfect for the warmer months. The blend of strawberries, raisins, ginger, and curry powder creates a unique and delicious condiment that pairs well with a variety of dishes.

History

Strawberry chutney has its roots in traditional Indian cuisine, where chutneys are commonly made with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and spices. This recipe puts a modern twist on the classic condiment by incorporating fresh strawberries and other ingredients that are readily available in most grocery stores.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of golden raisins
0.5 cup of firmly packed dark brown sugar
0.5 cup of strawberry preserves
0.5 cup of strawberry wine vinegar
0.5 cup of fresh orange juice
2 tsp of minced peeled gingerroot
0.5 tsp of curry powder
1 medium navel orange
4 cups of whole strawberries, hulled and diced
0.5 cup of sliced almonds
strawberry fans (optional)

How to prepare

Combine the first 8 ingredients in a large saucepan that is not made of aluminum. Bring to a boil.
Cook, uncovered, over medium heat for 15 minutes or until the mixture becomes slightly thickened and syrupy. Stir frequently.
Add strawberries to the saucepan. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until the mixture thickens further. Stir occasionally.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the almonds.
Spoon the mixture into a bowl and cover it. Chill in the refrigerator.
Serve the chilled mixture with nonfat or light cream cheese and gingersnaps.
If desired, garnish with strawberry fans.

Variations

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Substitute the almonds with chopped pecans or walnuts for a different flavor and texture.
Use peach or mango preserves instead of strawberry for a tropical twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a non-aluminum saucepan when making this chutney, as the acidity of the vinegar and orange juice can react with aluminum and affect the taste of the dish.

- Stir the chutney frequently while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

- Adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your taste preferences – you can add more for a spicier chutney or less for a milder flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this strawberry chutney with nonfat or light cream cheese and gingersnaps for a delicious appetizer or snack. It also pairs well with grilled chicken or pork dishes.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to hull and dice the strawberries before adding them to the chutney.

- Simmer the chutney over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and the mixture to thicken.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have strawberry preserves, you can use raspberry or apricot preserves as a substitute.

- Fresh ginger can be used instead of minced gingerroot for a stronger flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This strawberry 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

Garnish the strawberry chutney with fresh strawberry fans for a decorative touch. Serve it in a small bowl or ramekin alongside your favorite dippers.

Pairing Recommendations

This strawberry chutney pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, cheese platters, and sandwiches. It also makes a tasty topping for yogurt or oatmeal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover strawberry chutney in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply microwave the chutney for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this strawberry chutney contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this strawberry chutney contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this strawberry chutney contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of this strawberry chutney contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This strawberry chutney is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the fresh strawberries and orange juice it contains. It also provides a small amount of vitamin A and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains almonds, which are a common allergen. Be sure to check for any nut allergies before serving this dish to guests.

Summary

Overall, this strawberry chutney is a flavorful and nutritious condiment that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

This Taste of Summer Strawberry Chutney is a versatile and flavorful condiment that is perfect for adding a touch of sweetness and spice to your favorite dishes. Whether served with cheese and crackers or as a topping for grilled meats, this chutney is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old recipe book that I inherited from my great-grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, a handwritten note fell out and landed at my feet. It was a recipe for Taste of Summer Strawberry Chutney.

I picked up the note and read it with curiosity. The ingredients were simple – fresh strawberries, sugar, vinegar, and spices. The instructions were easy to follow, but what intrigued me the most was the story behind the recipe. According to the note, my great-grandmother had learned to make this chutney from a dear friend who had traveled to India many years ago.

I could almost picture my great-grandmother and her friend in a bustling market in India, surrounded by exotic spices and vibrant fruits. The thought of recreating this experience in my own kitchen excited me. I knew I had to make this chutney and taste a little bit of summer in every bite.

I gathered the ingredients and set to work. The sweet aroma of ripe strawberries filled the air as I washed and chopped them. I added them to a pot with sugar, vinegar, and a blend of spices – cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. As the chutney simmered on the stove, the flavors melded together, creating a tantalizing mix of sweet and tangy.

After an hour of cooking, I tasted a spoonful of the chutney. It was like nothing I had ever experienced before – a burst of flavors that danced on my tongue. The sweetness of the strawberries paired perfectly with the sharpness of the vinegar and the warmth of the spices. It was a symphony of tastes that transported me to a faraway land.

I couldn't wait to share this newfound recipe with my family. I served the chutney with grilled chicken and rice, and the dish was a hit. My husband and children raved about the unique flavors and begged me to make it again soon.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe for Taste of Summer Strawberry Chutney. I experimented with different spices and proportions, making it my own. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who all fell in love with its irresistible taste.

One summer, I entered the chutney in a local cooking competition. To my surprise, it won first place. Judges praised its bold flavors and innovative twist on a classic condiment. I felt proud to have created something so special, inspired by a simple handwritten note from my great-grandmother.

As the years passed, the recipe for Taste of Summer Strawberry Chutney became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for holidays, family gatherings, and lazy Sunday dinners. It was always a crowd-pleaser, sparking conversations and memories of far-off places.

I cherished the connection I felt to my great-grandmother through this recipe. It was a way to honor her legacy and the adventurous spirit she passed down to me. Every time I made the chutney, I felt her presence in the kitchen, guiding me with her wisdom and love.

Now, as I sit at my kitchen table, surrounded by the familiar scents of strawberries and spices, I am reminded of the journey that brought me here. From a handwritten note to a prize-winning recipe, Taste of Summer Strawberry Chutney has become a symbol of my passion for cooking and my deep-rooted connection to my family's culinary heritage.

I hope that one day, my grandchildren will discover this recipe in an old book and feel the same sense of wonder and excitement that I did. And perhaps, they will carry on the tradition of making this chutney, adding their own unique touch to it and passing it down to future generations.

For now, I am content to savor the taste of summer in every bite of this delicious chutney, knowing that it is a recipe that will always hold a special place in my heart.