Peppery Fig Chutney Food

FRESH FIG CHUTNEY

Steps:

• In a large saucepan combine the vinegar, sugar, onion, ginger, mustard seeds, lemon zest, cinnamon stick, salt, allspice, and cloves and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until mixture is thickened and reduced by 2/3, forming a thick syrup. Add the figs and cook gently until the figs are very soft and beginning to fall apart and most of the liquid they've given off has evaporated, about 30 minutes.
• Transfer the chutney to a non-reactive container and allow to come to room temperature before serving. The chutney may be made up to 3 weeks in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. (Alternately, hot chutney may be ladled into hot sterilized canning jars and processed in a hot-water bath according to manufacturer's directions.)

FIG CHUTNEY

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, bring the red wine to a simmer and cook until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Add the figs, orange juice, honey, cayenne, rosemary and star anise and bring back to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the figs soften and the mixture thickens, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching on the bottom. Cool to room temperature before removing the anise and rosemary.

PEPPERY FIG CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Place peppercorns on a cutting board. Using the bottom of a small saucepan, crack peppercorns. Tie the thyme in a bundle with kitchen twine. Place peppercorns, dried figs, shallots, red wine, red-wine vinegar, thyme bundle, salt, and sugar in a medium saucepan. Set over medium-high heat, and bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to medium low, and simmer until figs are soft and the liquid has thickened, about 45 minutes.
• Remove and discard the thyme bundle. Stir in fresh figs. Cook, stirring frequently, until figs break down, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the pan from heat.
• Transfer to a large bowl set over an ice bath to chill; store in an airtight container, refrigerated, up to 4 weeks.

FRESH FIG CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Put all the ingredients in a pan and bring to a gentle simmer for 1 hr, uncovered, stirring occasionally until it gets sticky and jammy. Spoon into a clean Kilner jar. That's it. You're done.

STICKY FIG & PORT CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Put all of the ingredients in a pan. Simmer over a medium heat for 25-30 mins until sticky and jammy, adding 50ml water if it begins to stick. Leave to cool. Will keep in a sterilised jar for up to four months.

CRANBERRY-PISTACHIO CHUTNEY WITH FIGS

Steps:

• Combine all the ingredients except the pistachios and figs in a 2 1/2-quart microwave-proof casserole dish and cover. Cook at 100 percent power in a 650- to 700-watt microwave carousel oven for 4 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chutney is boiling and the cranberries begin to burst open. Stir once during the cooking time.
• Remove from the oven. Stir in the pistachios and figs or raisins. Replace the cover and set aside to cool completely. Spoon the chutney into sterilized jars, cover and refrigerate. (For best results, let the chutney ripen for at least a day. If refrigerated and tightly covered, it will keep for several months.) Serve with grilled chicken, roast pork or turkey or on toast for breakfast.