Green Tomato Chutney Recipe

This easy green tomato chutney blends tart unripe tomatoes with sweet raisins, sharp malt vinegar, and warming spices. Cooked slowly to a rich, thick preserve, it’s perfect alongside cheese, cured meats, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 1 Kg green tomatoes (unripe, chopped; skinning optional)
• 1 Kg red onions, roughly chopped
• 150 g raisins (golden or regular)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 500 g brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 Litre malt vinegar (5% acetic acid)

Method

1. Prepare the vegetables

   Chop the green tomatoes, onions, and raisins roughly. Mince the garlic.

2. Cook the chutney

   Combine all ingredients in a large stainless steel pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a vigorous simmer with the lid off.

3. Simmer and stir

   Cook uncovered for 1 to 3 hours, stirring regularly, until the chutney is thick, dark, and rich with reduced liquid.

4. Jar and preserve

   Spoon hot chutney into warm, sterilised jars. Seal immediately with lids safe for preserving. Optionally water-bath jars for 10 minutes to ensure sterility and seal.

5. Store and matureLabel jars and store in a cool, dark cupboard. Refrigerate after opening. Use within one year.

What can you serve with green tomato chutney

1. Cheese and bread – adds tangy zest to soft and hard cheeses alike.
2. Cured meats – offers bright contrast to salty, rich flavours.
3. Grilled sausages – complements smoky, spiced meats perfectly.
4. Sandwiches – a sharp, sweet spread that elevates flavours.
5. Rice dishes – adds moisture and spice complexity to plain rice bowls.

FAQs for green tomato chutney

• Can I use regular red tomatoes? Yes, but the flavour will be sweeter and less tart.
• How long does it keep? Up to 1 year sealed; refrigerate after opening.
• Why is my chutney too vinegary? Use malt vinegar and cook slowly to balance acidity.
• Can I reduce the sugar? Yes, but it may affect shelf life and sweetness.
• Do I need to water-bath jars? It’s optional but recommended for safety.

Nutri-score Health Check

Rating: B
This green tomato chutney balances natural vegetable fibre and vitamins with moderate sugar and vinegar, making it a tasty, fairly healthy preserve.

Positive Factors

• Green tomatoes: Rich in fibre and antioxidants.
• Onions and garlic: Provide vitamins and immune support.
• Raisins: Natural sweetness and minerals.

Negative Factors

• Sugar: Added for sweetness and preservation.
• Vinegar: Provides acidity but adds to sourness.

This Nutri-Score is an estimate based on ingredients and is for guidance only.