| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 40 mins – 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 175 | 0.3g | 0.1g | 44g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 40g | 1.4g | 1.2g | 0.2g |
One recipe that truly captures my heart, especially when I’m looking for a touch of sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavor is the Spiced momordica cochinchinensis chutney. A staple in my kitchen, this vibrant, full-bodied concoction amalgamates the spicy flavor of mustard seeds and warm tones of a cinnamon stick, with the unique, yet enticing sweetness of the exotic Gac fruit.
The Health Boosting Powerhouse
The Gac fruit, also known as Momordica Cochinchinensis, is notorious for its wealth of health benefits. It’s high in antioxidants and carotenoids, and potentially boosts immune health too. Combine that with ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties and the gut-friendly nature of apple cider vinegar, and you’ve got a chutney that doubles as a health boosting powerhouse.
If you’re conscious about your sugar intake fret not, for the granulated sugar can be substituted with a natural sweetener without compromising the taste. It’s versatility like this that really elevates this recipe.
Compliments to the Meal
The question isn’t “What does this chutney pair well with?” but rather “What doesn’t it pair well with?” Its sweet, tangy flavor profile marries well with a variety of dishes. It’s akin to chutneys enjoyed across the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, and can be used in the same way to bring an uplift of flavor to any dish. It’s an excellent accompaniment for roast meats, a flavor booster for gourmet pizzas, and a delightful dip for homemade flatbreads or even a chunk of my go-to hearty spelt bread.
In essence, the Spiced momordica cochinchinensis chutney is more than a mere recipe. It’s a canvas, waiting for you to paint it with your choice of flavors, pairing it with your choice of dish, converting a regular meal into a gourmet experience.
Remember, food not only satiates hunger, it also feeds the soul. Bon Appétit!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups peeled and diced Momordica Cochinchinensis (Gac fruit)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons grated orange zest
- 1/2 cup raisins
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing the Momordica Cochinchinensis (Gac fruit). Make sure they are peeled, deseeded, and diced into small pieces. Place them in a large bowl and set aside for later use.
Step Two
In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and apple cider vinegar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Step Three
Add the finely chopped red onion and minced fresh ginger to the saucepan. Stir well to combine with the sugar and vinegar mixture.
Step Four
Now, add the diced Momordica Cochinchinensis (Gac fruit) into the saucepan. Then, add the cinnamon stick, whole cloves, mustard seeds, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to mix all the ingredients and ensure they are evenly dispersed.
Step Five
Cover the saucepan, turn down the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the Gac fruit becomes soft and releases its juices.
Step Six
After 30 minutes, remove the lid and add the grated orange zest and raisins. Stir well to combine these final ingredients.
Step Seven
Let the chutney continue to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened to your preferred consistency.
Step Eight
Once the chutney has thickened, remove the cinnamon stick and whole cloves. The Spiced Momordica Cochinchinensis chutney is now ready to serve! Enjoy it as a spread, dip, or accompaniment to your favorite dishes.
