| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 1 hour | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 300 | 0.5g | 0g | 74g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 68g | 2.5g | 0.6g | 0.2g |
If I were to pick a recipe that truly mirrors the amalgamation of my Southern American and West African roots, I’d undoubtedly highlight the Apple and Rue Chutney. This delightful dish speaks volumes about the unique blend of flavors and ingredients that I’ve come to treasure from both culinary worlds.
Afro-Southern Fusion at its Best
The beauty of merging Southern cooking with West African flavors lies in crafting dishes that are not only nourishing but also offer an incredible gastronomical experience. It’s a bridge between two culturally rich yet distinct food regions.
With its sweet-tangy taste profile, Apple and Rue Chutney is a testament to such culinary crossovers. The use of apples, beautifully caramelized in sugar, reflects the warmth of Southern desserts, while the generous dash of chili flakes echoes the authentic West African spice kick. And there’s a bonus – the addition of tangy apple cider vinegar and the distinct flavors of rue leaves.
Flavor Partners and Health Perks
Apple and Rue Chutney pairs extremely well with a range of dishes. It adds an unexpected tang to roasted chicken, it’s an excellent accompaniment with grilled pork loin, and it gives a needed flavor boost to whole wheat pancakes.
Besides the dish’s mouthwatering flavors, there are several health benefits to relish. Apples, known for their high fiber content and antioxidants, promote better digestion and heart health. Rue leaves, albeit uncommon in many kitchens, boast antifungal and antibacterial properties. Furthermore, the antioxidants in ginger and garlic, coupled with the probiotics in apple cider vinegar, can improve immunity and gut health.
So the next time you’re looking to explore a balance of flavors with considerable health benefits, consider whipping up a batch of the exquisite Apple and Rue Chutney. Here’s to embracing the vibrant Afro-Southern fusion and taking a culinary journey that’s spiced just right!
What You’ll Need
- 5 cups of chopped apples
- 1 cup of fresh rue leaves
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chili flakes
Method
Step One
Firstly, prepare all the ingredients for the chutney. Peel and chop the apples, finely chop the onion and grate the ginger. Also, peel the garlic and crush it with a garlic press.
Step Two
Take a large saucepan, add in the chopped apples, fresh rue leaves, and sugar. Cook over medium heat and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Step Three
Pour apple cider vinegar into the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step Four
Add in the finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, grated ginger, ground cinnamon, salt and red chili flakes into the saucepan. Stir well to mix all the ingredients.
Step Five
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer. Stir occasionally and cook until the mixture has thickened to a jam-like consistency. This can take around 1-2 hours.
Step Six
Once the chutney has reached the desired consistency, remove the pan from the heat. Let the chutney cool before transferring to sterile jars.
Step Seven
Seal the jars tightly. The Apple and Rue Chutney can be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within a month.
