Beetroot chutney - Swasthi's Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is traditional chutney made from? ›

Chutney is a condiment or spread made from chopped fruit cooked with vinegar, spices and sometimes sugar, that can be served fresh or preserved. It's often associated with Indian cuisine.

Relish. Chutney and relish are two popular condiments, and the names are often interchanged. The confusion is understandable because chutneys can be savory, and relishes can be sweet. In general, chutneys have a chunky spreadable consistency much like a preserve and are usually made with fruit.

It is served with everything from basmati rice to breads like naan or dosa to curry dishes. Elsewhere in the world, you may see a variety of chutney paired with dishes, like onion chutney with roasted meats or a fruity apple chutney with buttery, creamy cheese like brie or goat cheese.

Vinegar used in making chutney must be good quality and have at least 5% acetic acid content. Any good brand white, malt, wine or cider vinegar should possess the correct qualities. Brown sugar is used for darker coloured chutney but where a lighter colour is required granulated sugar is recommended.

(ˈtʃʌtni) noun. a sauce or relish of Asian origin, often compounded of both sweet and sour ingredients, as fruits and herbs, with spices and other seasoning. Also: chutnee.

Chutney has a much smoother consistency when compared to a Relish. Next we have relishes which are an altogether western world creation which have a much thicker, chunkier consistency. Relishes probably originated in the USA as an accompaniment to BBQ meats and hotdogs etc.

If you don't want to make chutney, apricot preserves are a great alternative! Preserves have chunks of fruit in it, so it has a similar texture to chutney. Plus, it's easy to add spices or raisins if you'd like.

Cheese and chutney pairing ideas

Spicy, vegetable-based chutneys such as onion & chilly, spiced tomato etc. work well with medium-hard, aged cheese like Cheddar, Pecorino or Gruyere. These cheeses usually have a mild taste which can be easily complimented by hints of spices and heat.

Typically, you would serve chutney when it has been set to room temperature, this is where the condiment is the best performing. We now know that chutney does work well with hot food, but pairing it with cold food can satisfy pretty much anyone.

Do you eat chutney with crackers? ›

7. A Yummy Appetiser. Add a spoon of chutney to cream cheese and serve spread on a cracker.

Chutneys have a shelf life of around 1 year unopened from the date of purchase. Once opened, chutney can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 months.

Store it. Chutney that has been properly made will have excellent preservative qualities of its own, even after opening. However, to be certain, it's probably better to keep them refrigerated once opened.

Fill the hot dry jars right to the top – preserves shrink slightly on cooling and a full jar means less trapped condensation. Seal the jars while still hot. This rule applies to all jams, jellies, pickles and chutneys.

The taste of chutney varies depending on the region and the likeness of flavors there. For instance, in Pakistan and India, the flavor of chutney tends to be spicy, sour, and full of seasonings. Whereas in England it has to be mild and sweet. In simple words, chutney is a vibe that matches everywhere.

Mango Chutney

This is one of the most popular chutneys worldwide, made from ripe mangoes, sugar, vinegar, spices, and sometimes ginger. It has a sweet and tangy flavor that complements many Indian dishes. Mango chutney is a tangy and sweet condiment made from ripe mangoes, vinegar, sugar, and a blend of spices.

Let's not get confused… the difference is that chutney is prepared using vegetables and fruits blended into a smooth and delicious paste, but pickle is prepared using vegetables and fruits dried in sunlight, preserved in a vinegar and salt solution to ensure the pickles last a longer period of time.