Makes 1.5–2 kg (3–4½ lb)
Preparation time 10 minutes
Cooking time 50 minutes
12 peaches
500 g (1 lb) onions
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tablespoons grated fresh root ginger
125 g (4 oz) pitted dates, chopped
250 g (8 oz) demerara sugar
300 ml (½ pint) red wine vinegar
salt and pepper
Place the peaches in a large bowl, cover with boiling water and leave to stand for about 1 minute, then drain and peel them. Halve and pit the peaches and cut the flesh into thick slices.
Put the onions in a pan with the peach slices, garlic, ginger, dates, sugar and vinegar. Add a generous sprinkling of salt and pepper and bring the mixture to the boil, stirring continuously, until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Reduce the heat, cover the saucepan and simmer, stirring frequently, for 45 minutes, until the chutney has thickened.
Transfer the chutney to warm, dry, sterilized jars (see page 9). Cover the surface of each with a disc of waxed paper, waxed side down. When cool, seal with an airtight lid. Label the jars and leave to mature in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks before using. It will keep, unopened, for 6–12 months.
For apricot & date chutney, omit the 12 peaches and use 2 kg (4½ lb) apricots instead. Continue with the recipe as above.