
“X” in any of our Alphabet gigs is always a bit of a challenge. But with a good deal of artist license this is a good as it get for our Vegetarian Alphabet – Ximenia and Chilli Chutney.
Ximenia is an Indian fruiting bush which is distantly related to the Prunus tress. So a bit like a Plum. They are described as similar to a Greengage. Well clearly York is not the most likely place to find them and Greengages are out of season. So I just substituted Plums!!!! (Read as – I cheated considerably….)
Ingredients:-
1 Punnet of Plums. Or indeed Ximenia if you know where to get some!
3 Red Chillies
250g of Sugar
1 Tsp of Salt
300ml of Distilled Vinegar.
Method:-
(1) Cut the fruits and remove the stones.
(2) Pop everything in a large pan and bring to the boil.
(3) Reduce the heat and simmer until everything is well cooked and the volume has reduced by a half.
(4) Use a hand blender if you want a smooth Chutney.
(5) Allow to cool and then pour into a seal-able jar.
According to the recipe this improves with age, but it’s pretty powerful already.
Another of our little finds in the local Polish Deli. 300g tins of Mackerel in Tomato sauce at £0.99. It's fair to say Sue did look a little sceptical when I appeared with it and it has sat lonely in the cupboard for a couple of weeks. But try this concoction, it's actually really good!