Mary Berry Christmas Chutney Recipe

This Mary Berry Christmas Chutney is a real show stopper, perfect for gifting in pretty jars or serving with the Boxing Day ham. It isn’t usually made with quite this much fresh ginger—traditional chutneys often rely on dried spices—but we’ve added a generous amount to give it a warming, festive kick. To make it even more luxurious, you can add a handful of sultanas for a chewy texture, though Mary prefers it smooth. Not traditional, maybe, but very delicious.

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Mary Berry Christmas Chutney Recipe Ingredients

• 900g (2 lb) ripe tomatoes
• 3 large red peppers
• 4 medium onions, peeled and chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 40g (1 1/2 oz) fresh root ginger, peeled and grated
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 450g (1 lb) granulated sugar (or light muscovado for a darker chutney)
• 280ml (1/2 pint) white wine vinegar (or distilled malt vinegar)

How To Make Mary Berry Christmas Chutney Recipe

1. Prep the tomatoes: Place the tomatoes in a large bowl and pour boiling water over them. Leave for 1-2 minutes, then drain and peel off the skins (they should slip off easily). Quarter the tomatoes and remove any hard green cores. roughly chop the flesh.
2. Prep the peppers: Halve the red peppers, remove the seeds and white pith, and chop the flesh into small dice.
3. Combine ingredients: Put the chopped tomatoes, diced red peppers, chopped onions, and crushed garlic into a large, heavy-based preserving pan (or a very large stainless steel pot).
4. Simmer the veg: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, cover with a lid, and simmer gently for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the onions and peppers are completely tender.
5. Add flavor and set: Stir in the grated ginger, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, sugar, and vinegar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved.
6. Reduce: Bring the mixture back to the boil and cook steadily, uncovered, for about 30 to 45 minutes. You need to stir it frequently towards the end to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. The chutney is ready when it has thickened and reduced, and you can draw a wooden spoon across the bottom of the pan to leave a clear channel that doesn’t immediately fill back in.
7. Potting: Pot the hot chutney immediately into warm, sterilized jars. Cover with wax discs (wax side down) and seal with vinegar-proof lids. Label with the date once cool.

Recipe Tips

• The Channel Test: The only way to know if the chutney is ready is the “channel test.” Drag your spoon across the bottom of the pan. If the liquid rushes back in instantly, it needs to boil longer. If the channel stays clear for a few seconds, it’s thick enough to pot.
• Sterilizing Jars: You must put your clean jars in a cold oven and heat it to 140°C (275°F) for 10 minutes. Potting hot chutney into cold jars will cause the glass to shatter instantly.
• Patience is Key: Do not try to eat this immediately. Chutney needs to mature. Store it in a cool, dark place for at least 1 month before opening to let the sharp vinegar mellow out and the flavors deepen.
• Sugar Dissolution: Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved before you bring the mixture to a rolling boil in step 6. If you boil undissolved sugar crystals, the chutney can become gritty.

What To Serve With Mary Berry Christmas Chutney Recipe

This Mary Berry Christmas Chutney Recipe is the ultimate condiment for the holiday season. It is the perfect partner for a Cold Turkey Sandwich or a slice of Glazed Gammon on Boxing Day. For a party spread, serve it on a Cheeseboard alongside sharp Cheddar, Stilton, or Brie, as the sweetness cuts through the rich cheese. It is also fantastic stirred into gravy to add depth or served alongside a simple Pork Pie or Sausage Roll for a quick lunch.

How To Store Mary Berry Christmas Chutney Recipe

• Store: Store unopened jars in a cool, dry, dark place (like a cupboard) for up to 1 year. The flavor improves with age.
• Refrigerate: Once opened, the jar must be kept in the refrigerator and consumed within 1 month.

Mary Berry Christmas Chutney Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 45 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Protein: 0.5g

Nutrition information is estimated per tablespoon.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Mary Berry Green Tomato Chutney​ Recipe
• Mary Berry Courgette Muffins Recipe
• Mary Berry Twice-baked Cheese Soufflé Recipe