Simple Plum Chutney

Simple Plum Chutney has the rich sweet flavour of plums combined with warm spices and a tangy sharpness of vinegar. It couldn’t be simpler to make and is delicious served with many different meals.

Why make Simple Plum Chutney?

Plum Chutney is a great accompaniment to your meals. Serve it with cold meats, grilled foods, or a nice cheese platter. Or add a spoonful to a casserole. It’s going to add a burst of flavour that takes your dish to the next level.

This recipe is perfect for a bargain you spot at the market, or a glut of plums from your plum tree. With homemade chutney, you’re in charge of all the ingredients, you can adapt the recipe to suit your taste, whether you like it sweeter, spicier, or with an extra tang.

What is chutney?

Chutney is a flavourful condiment originating from South Asia, traditionally made by blending fruits, vegetables, and aromatic spices with vinegar, sugar, and sometimes chillies. The result is a tangy, sweet, or spicy relish that adds zest to dishes ranging from curries to sandwiches.

What ingredients do I need to make Simple Plum Chutney?

The ingredients for this recipe are easily available and you may already have many of them in your larder or fridge. Here is what you need:

• Plums
• Onions
• Apples
• Sultanas
• Sugar
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Oregano
• Cayenne Pepper
• Vinegar

Scroll to the end of this article to find the full recipe and all quantities of ingredients, with step-by-step photo instructions.

What kind of plums should I use?

You can use any kind of plums. I have made this chutney with golden Victoria plums and also with red plums and dark purple plums and every batch has been delicious.

It’s best to use plums which are ripe but still slightly firm. If they are too ripe and soft the chutney may not keep so well.

Can I use frozen plums to make this chutney?

Yes, frozen plums work well in chutney. Put them straight in with the other ingredients, they will break down easily as the chutney cooks.

What kind of apples should I use?

You can use any kind of apples to make this chutney. I prefer to use sharp tasting apples in because the sharpness contrasts with the sweet dried fruit. Apples such as Bramley Seedling and Granny Smith are both sharp apples and would work well.

What are sultanas?

Sultanas are sometimes known as golden raisins. Sultanas are a type of dried fruit that come from seedless green grapes, most commonly the Thompson Seedless variety. They have a sweet flavour, light golden colour, and soft texture.

What can I substitute for sultanas?

If you don’t have sultanas then you can use raisins. You could use other dried fruits such as chopped dates or dried apricots, but these would significantly change the flavour of the chutney.

Spices for Simple Plum Chutney

I use ground cinnamon, ground ginger, dried oregano and cayenne pepper in this recipe. These are very readily available and they are always in my larder.

What can I substitute for these spices?

• Cinnamon and Ginger: substitutes include mixed spice, nutmeg, or allspice. These alternatives can offer a similar warmth and depth of flavour, though each brings its own distinctive notes to dishes.
• Oregano: try dried marjoram, thyme, or basil.
• Cayenne Pepper: chilli powder, paprika, or crushed red pepper flakes.

What kind of vinegar should I use?

I use white wine vinegar for this chutney, it is light, tangy, and very versatile. It’s a real flavour booster with a mild acidity that is just right.

You could also use cider vinegar or white or brown malt vinegar. Each has it’s own flavour with malt vinegar being the most astringent, your chutney may need to mature in the jar for longer if you use malt vinegar.

How should I store Simple Plum Chutney?

Store the chutney in sterilised glass jam jars with lids. Keep the jars of chutney in a cool dark place, and once opened keep the jar in the fridge.

How soon can I eat the chutney?

You can eat this chutney within a week of making it. However, it will improve in flavour and lose some of the rawness of the vinegar if you keep it for 4-6 weeks before opening. It will continue to mature and will keep unopened in sterilised jars for up to a year. Once it has been opened, I recommend that you keep the jar in the fridge.

How do I sterilise glass jars?

Find out why you should sterilise your jars and about the different methods you can use to sterilise them in this article.

Vegetarian

Simple Plum Chutney contains no animal derived ingredients and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Gluten Free

This recipe is gluten-free, making it a suitable option for individuals avoiding gluten in their diet. As always you should check every ingredient to ensure that it meets your dietary requirements.

For more information regarding any dietary information provided on this website, please refer to my Nutritional Disclaimer.

How should I serve Simple Plum Chutney?

I recommend that you serve plum chutney at room temperature for the best flavour. You can serve it straight from the jar, but it’s nice to present it in a small bowl or ramekin with a spoon for easy serving.

• Try plum chutney with cheese and crackers, it really bring out the flavour of cheeses like cheddar and brie.
• Chutney goes well with roasted meats such as pork, lamb, or chicken. Spoon a little onto the side of your plate to add a fruity, savoury kick to your roast dinners.
• Add a spoonful of plum chutney to sandwiches or wraps for extra flavour.
• You can use plum chutney as a glaze for grilled or baked meats. Brush it onto pork chops, chicken breasts, or sausages before cooking for a sticky, sweet finish.
• And it’s perfect to serve with cold cuts such as roast beef, gammon, and turkey. Add it to a salad platter or ploughman’s lunch for extra flavour.

Simple Plum Chutney is very versatile and can elevate both everyday meals and those for special occasions. Discover your own favourite way to serve this delicious preserve.