English Tomato Chutney

Prep: 720 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: British

A tangy and flavorful English tomato chutney featuring ripe tomatoes, onions, spices, and vinegar, perfect as a condiment with sandwiches, burgers, and cold dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 6 lb. ripe tomatoes
  • 2 lb. onions
  • 1/2 c. salt
  • 1 1/2 lb. sugar
  • vinegar (cider)
  • 3 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 1 tsp. curry powder
  • 3 tsp. dry mustard
  • 1 tsp. mace
  • 1 tsp. pepper
  • 1 tsp. ginger
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Skin and chop the tomatoes.
  2. Cut onions into small thin rings.
  3. Sprinkle the onions with 1/2 cup salt.
  4. Cover and let set overnight.
  5. Drain off excessive liquid from the onion mixture.
  6. Add vinegar to almost cover the tomato and onion mixture.
  7. Add sugar; bring to a boil.
  8. Mix cornstarch, curry powder, and dry mustard in a small amount of cold water.
  9. Add the cornstarch mixture to the boiling mixture and cook for 10 minutes.
  10. Add the remaining spices: mace, pepper, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  11. Do not reboil the chutney after adding spices.
  12. Cover and refrigerate the chutney.
  13. Serve with sandwiches and burgers.
  14. Freeze any excess chutney and thaw as needed.

Tips & Substitutions

For a thicker chutney, consider adding more cornstarch or cooking it down longer. If you prefer a sweeter chutney, increase the sugar slightly. You can substitute cider vinegar with white vinegar or malt vinegar, though the flavor profile will change. Fresh ginger can be used instead of ground ginger for a fresher taste.

Serving Suggestions

This English Tomato Chutney is perfect for elevating sandwiches and burgers. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, cheese platters, and even as a topping for baked potatoes. For an interesting twist, serve it alongside Smothered Apples for a sweet-savory experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store the chutney in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It also freezes well; pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. To use frozen chutney, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving or heat it gently on the stovetop.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of English Tomato Chutney contains roughly 744 calories, with 11g protein, 154g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (250% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), and iron (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 765mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).

744 kcal 37% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.6g 21% DV
Total Fat 3.7g 5% DV
Carbs 154g 56% DV
Fiber 17.4g 62% DV
Sugar 79.3g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 764.6mg 33% DV
Potassium 1598.7mg 34% DV
Cholesterol 0.2mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 33mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 224.6mg 100% DV
Calcium 241.7mg 19% DV
Iron 6.3mg 35% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?

Yes, you can use canned tomatoes if fresh tomatoes are not available. Drain them well to reduce excess liquid. Keep in mind that the flavor may differ slightly, so adjust the spices according to taste.

How long can I store the chutney?

The chutney can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you freeze it, it can last for several months, making it a great condiment to have on hand for various meals.

Is it possible to make this chutney less spicy?

Absolutely! To reduce the spiciness, you can decrease the amount of curry powder and pepper. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance of flavors.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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