Chutneys are great, there is no denying it. A traditional accompaniment for a main dish or a snack, the delicate balance of vegetables, spices and in our case chillies is what makes a great chutney.
There are so many choices out there that it is sometimes difficult to know who to trust. One name that is always reliant though is Mr Vikki’s. Based in Cumbria this supplier is absolutely nuts about chillies and endeavours to create Indian based preserves with a European twist. Take the Hot Brinjal Piquin preserve (currently on offer for just £2!) which is in turn citrusy, smoky and nutty with a pungent heat that lifts the rich taste of fresh aubergines that make the base for this incredibly sweet and tasty sauce.
For habanero lovers try Mr Vikki’s Banana Habanero which won double gold in 2009. The banana isn’t overpowering and is balanced with fresh root ginger and of course the lovely flavour of the habanero. One of Mr Vikki’s most popular chutney is the Tamarind Chipotle one. This medium hot chilli chutney is just ideal when you want to add that particular smoky flavour to stews and marinades. If you have a sweet tooth then you’ll love Mr Vikki’s Hot Apricot Chutney. Not something you find everywhere, this apricot chilli chutney is one of our favourites and thanks to its mild heat can be eaten by children. We use it as a jam to be honest as it is great for elevenses! Mr Vikki’s Hot Mango Chutney is of an incredibly high standard and will rock curry nights at your house!
Made using only fresh tomatoes, Mr Vikki’s Tomato & Nigella Chutney is very popular thanks to its lightly spiced flavour which goes well with hot or cold food. Commonly used in Indian and Middle-Eastern cuisine, the nigella onion seed brings out a really distinctive taste. Mr Vikki’s Hot Lime Pickle, although technically not a chutney, is definitely worth mentioning as it is great with chicken or added to mayonnaise to give a citrusy flavour. The subtle heat from red and green chillies enriches the mixture to form a complex and truly enjoyable condiment.
Dartmoor Chilli Farm is best known for its gorgeous chilli chocolate, jams and marmalades but the chutneys are well worth pointing out. A great way to start if you are a bit weary of chillies is Dartmoor Chilli Farm Mango and Ginger Chilli Chutney. Think poppadums, think mature cheddar cheese, think dipping sauce for chicken or gammon. This gorgeous mild sweet chutney is extremely versatile and one you will constantly be drawn back to. Dartmoor Chilli Farm Bramley Apple and Naga Chilli Chutney is absolutely gorgeous served with pork you will also amaze your guests by adding a little bit to the filling of an apple pie! Although hot for the average consumer, it is a really good chutney to keep in the fridge and use on a regular basis.
Dartmoor Chilli Farm Cider and Jalapeno Chilli Chutney is not a combination we ever expected if we’re honest, but one that we are now so grateful for! Made with vintage organic cider blended in with apples, onions, peppers, sultanas, and of course jalapeno chilli peppers, this sweet but slightly tangy chutney (thanks to a dash of malt vinegar) is an absolute delight. The quality of the ingredients is what really shines through in Dartmoor Chilli Farm’s Sweet Pepper & Tomato Chilli Chutney. Rather mild but incredibly tasty, the hint of white wine vinegar provides a tangy background while the perfect amounts of tomatoes, onions, peppers and apples provide a mouth-watering blend that is great with pretty much any meat, fish and vegetables.
Dartmoor Chilli Farm Real Ale Chutney is probably one of the sweetest of the range but a real treat at Christmas... and every Sunday lunch too! Made with apples, sultanas, onions and infused with paprika, coriander and mixed spice, this chutney is an absolute delight! The Dartmoor Ale used by the farm is one brewed locally in Princetown which definitely adds a depth to the ensemble.
Firefoods’ own version of a mango chutney is an absolute must have. Just thick enough, not too sweet but still highly satisfying for the tastebuds, with a real taste of mango and of course definitely spicy, this chutney is a winner with pretty much everybody! We yet have to find someone who doesn’t like Firefoods Chunky Chilli Chutney. Made with apples, onions, raisins and a tantalising blend of spices, this chutney is fantastic with pork or simply on a wedge of crusty bread with cheese.
Last but not least is
Chilli Pepper Pete's Fiery Jamaican Chutney. Poles apart from the other brands and mostly known for its devilish hot sauces, this amazing Jamaican Chutney is made from an old recipe and is incredibly fruity and aromatic although we have to admit we think it’s nicer blended in with other stuff like meaty stews as it is quite potent. The heat is intense but highly satisfying too.
So there you go, have a pick at some of the lovely chutneys the Devil’s Garden has got to offer, whether you want something really spicy, a side for your cheese platter, a topping for your burger or simply a nice sweet chutney to liven up rainy days!
