Sunday 27 May 2007

fei·jo·a chut·ney

An easy nibble, to start a meal.

I just love feijoas, and like to eat as many as I can in their short season, a season which is rapidly coming to an end, filling my with a sense of urgency - I must make the most of this most delicious fruit.

My friend Mel gave me her mother's feijoa chutney recipe, which with her permission I pass on to you. I have cut the recipe down to quantities that suit me. A jar of chutney probably lasts me six months, so the amount below gives enough for me and some to give away - sharing the joy with home made preserves.
Mel's Mum's Feijoa Chutney
Makes about 4 small jars

250g of feijoas, washed, trimmed and sliced
125g onions, chopped
75g raisins
, chopped
125g pitted dates, chopped
125g brown sugar
1t ground ginger
1t cumin (curry powder was specified, but I had to improvise!)
4 cloves, ground in a mortar and pestle
A knife tip of cayenne pepper
1t salt

Put all ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to the boil and cook gently for 1½ - 2hrs until the chutney is thick. Pour into steralized jars and seal.

Thanks Mel, and I hope you have a lovely time on your travels!

7 comments:

Deb said...

Yes, I too, am a feijoa fiend. What a pity you aren't closer as we have heaps of them just going to waste on the ground here. Love them fresh as well as in cakes, muffins, desserts... I have a yummy feijoa cake on my blog that is just divine. Will definitely try your chutney.

Shaun said...

Emma - Mine must be the only family that does not have even one feijoa tree - and I am including the extended family here. Fortunately, we have a quince tree. This chutney sounds wonderful; I may even suck up and go to the greengrocer's to buy some. It really looks wonderful.

Chef JP said...

I've been enjoying your blog--some of your unique food items sound great! cheers! Chef JP (www.hellchef.com) All the way from Long Island, New York

urban vegan said...

I've never heard of this fruit--how intriguing. sounds wonderful. thanks for sharing and for expanding my culinary horizons.

Emma said...

Deb - you lucky thing! I bought a box of feijoas from Northland on Trademe - so you are probably closer!

Shaun - yours and mine, Mum had one in the house she left two years agom, which is probably at bountiful maturity now.

Chef - thanks! we do have some brilliant food here.

Urban - it is a really wonderful flavour.

Unknown said...
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Anonymous said...

I've made this...it's really good! I make it in bulk and get loads of compliments. It did have malt vinegar as an ingredient last time I checked I'm sure, about a cup, but can't see it on the recipe now?