| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 289 | 0.3g | 0.1g | 74g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 68g | 5g | 2g | 0.39g |
One of my most cherished recipes, a delightful fruit concoction which I call ‘African Cherry Orange and Ginger Chutney,’ brings a unique fusion of hearty warmth, fiery spice, and fruity sweetness to your table. Its aromatic allure beckons your senses to an adventure across continents and climates, making every bite undeniably thrilling. Inspired by my Cuban and Spanish roots coupled with the picturesque beauty of Miami that I currently call home, this recipe is a deep dive into my own culinary journey.
The Unexpected Fusion
At first blush, the African Cherry Orange and Ginger Chutney might seem a far cry from traditional Cuban or Spanish tapas cuisine. However, as an aficionado of bold, vibrant flavors, I discovered that this chutney works beautifully as an accompaniment to my beloved tapas, especially with some savory empanadas or as a delectable glaze for pollo asado (roasted chicken).
The mixture of African cherry, also known as Agbalumo or Udara, blends seamlessly with the refreshing tang of freshly-squeezed orange juice and the bold, warm tones of fresh ginger. The resulting dance of flavors, along with the unexpected heat brought by a hint of cayenne pepper, brings a tropical twist to Spanish and Caribbean cuisines. Find out more about African Cherry.
The Health Benefits
Not only is the African Cherry Orange and Ginger Chutney packed with irresistible taste, but it also boasts of several health benefits. From the high Vitamin C content of both African cherry and oranges, to the digestive benefits of ginger, this chutney can be a vibrant addition to a balanced, nutritious diet. Additionally, apple cider vinegar, another star ingredient, is known for its health-boosting effects on blood sugar levels and digestion. Here are eight benefits of apple cider vinegar.
So, whether you’re hosting a vibrant tapas night under the Miami sky or simply seeking to bring some novelty to your dinner table, this African Cherry Orange and Ginger Chutney offers a deliciously exciting experience you won’t soon forget. So grab that apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create some magic!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups African cherry (Agbalumo or Udara)
- 1 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup raisins or currants
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Method
Step One
First, clean your African cherries (Agbalumo or Udara), removing all dirt and leaves. Cut them into halves and remove the seeds and fibre in the middle.
Step Two
Combine the African cherries with the orange juice in a large pot. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries are soft.
Step Three
Add the cup of granulated sugar and stir well until it is completely dissolved into the mix. Then add the grated fresh ginger and stir until well combined.
Step Four
Next, add the apple cider vinegar, raisins (or currants), finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, mustard seeds, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, and cayenne pepper into the pot and stir well to combine.
Step Five
Keep the mixture on low heat and let the chutney simmer for about an hour. Stir occasionally to prevent the chutney from sticking to the bottom of the pot. You should start to see the chutney thicken.
Step Six
Once the chutney has reached your desired consistency, remove it from heat. Allow it to cool before transferring it into clean jars. Close the jars and keep them in the fridge. This chutney can be served with a variety of dishes. Enjoy your homemade African Cherry Orange and Ginger Chutney!
