Caramelised onion chutney

 onion chutney

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5kg onions, thinly sliced
  • 300g dark muscovado sugar
  • 200ml red wine vinegar
  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp crushed chillies

Method

  1. Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan and gently fry the onions over a medium-low heat for 25-30 mins, stirring regularly. The onions should be softened but not browned, and reduced by about half.
  2. Stir in 3 tbsp of the sugar, increase the heat, and cook for 7-10 mins, stirring occasionally, until the onions are just starting to colour. Lower the heat, then add the remaining sugar, ½ tsp salt and all the other ingredients.
  3. Simmer, uncovered, so it bubbles gently on a medium-low heat for 30-40 mins, or until the chutney has reduced and thickened to a dark caramel colour, stirring occasionally to check it isn’t sticking to the bottom of the pan. To test if the chutney is ready, drag a wooden spoon across the bottom of the pan – it should take a few seconds for the juices to re-cover the bottom of the pan.
  4. Spoon the hot chutney into cooled, sterilised jars*, then seal and label. The chutney will keep for up to 6-12 months.