Fresh Fig And Ginger Chutney From The Auberge Recipes

FRESH FIG AND GINGER CHUTNEY FROM THE AUBERGE

Steps:

• Combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat, and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
• Uncover the pan and continue simmering for about an hour and a half, stirring often, until the chutney is reduced, thick and richly flavoured. If the chutney becomes too dry, add a splash of water. Taste and correct the seasoning, adding brown sugar, vinegar, or chilli flakes as needed. (Sometimes, depending on the water in the figs, this chutney can take over 2 hours to reduce.).
• Spoon into sterilised jars and seal. The chutney will keep for up to 8 or 9 months, unopened, in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 4 weeks.

FRESH FIG CHUTNEY

Steps:

• In a large saucepan combine the vinegar, sugar, onion, ginger, mustard seeds, lemon zest, cinnamon stick, salt, allspice, and cloves and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until mixture is thickened and reduced by 2/3, forming a thick syrup. Add the figs and cook gently until the figs are very soft and beginning to fall apart and most of the liquid they've given off has evaporated, about 30 minutes.
• Transfer the chutney to a non-reactive container and allow to come to room temperature before serving. The chutney may be made up to 3 weeks in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. (Alternately, hot chutney may be ladled into hot sterilized canning jars and processed in a hot-water bath according to manufacturer's directions.)

GINGERED FIG AND MANGO CHUTNEY WITH A BITE

Steps:

• Grind the whole allspice, whole black pepper, and black cardamom seeds. In a large saucepan over high heat, combine all the ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until mixture has thickened to form thick syrup. Then simmer for 60 more minutes. Stirring often toward end of cooking to prevent burning.
• Optional: Save 2 cups of chopped fruits and pepper to add halfway through cooking for a chunkier chutney.
• Remove the cinnamon sticks and ladle into hot sterilized jars until 1/4 inch from the top.
• Seal with lids and set the jars in a pot of hot water bath for 20 minutes.
• Label and store in a cool dark place for 3 weeks at least for flavors to develop.
• Makes 8-9 1/2 pint jars.

AUBERGE FIG AND GINGER JAM - CONFITURE

Steps:

• Put the figs, sugar and ground ginger into a large non-metallic bowl, cover and leave for 6-8 hours.
• Just before you are ready to make your jam, warm and sterilise your jam jars and jam pot covers or lids - prepare jars by washing in hot soapy water and leaving to dry and warm in a cool oven - 130C/250F/Gas ½ for 10-15 minutes.
• Transfer the figs and sugar to a large saucepan or preserving pan, add the apple, crystallised ginger, lemons and water. Stir over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved.
• Bring to the boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the fruit is soft and setting point is reached.
• Remove the jam from the heat and leave to cool for 20-25 minutes. Pour into the warm jam jars and cover/seal straight away.
• Label and store in a cool dark place for 2-3 weeks to allow the flavours to develop.