Gooseberry Chutney?

[amandaandherveg]

I gave 4 lbs of gooseberries. Rather than making a fool or a crumble I would like to make chutney. Googled a recipe and there's loads - are there any that you have tried, tested and loved?

[Jardiniere]

Dont do it - gooseberries are so beautiful eaten raw or cooked in pies etc - i would rather cook a pie and freeze it than make chutney from goosegogs...chutney is to be made from stuff that you really cant do anything else with like overgrown courgettes....

[amandaandherveg]

Now I'm all confused.

[Jardiniere]

sorry - just my opinion - not much of a chutney eater really!

[Hazel at the Hill]

Personally, if I had loads of gooseberries, I'd make wine.

[amandaandherveg]

Ooooh, now that's an idea. How many bottles would I get out of , say, 4 1/2 - 5 lbs?

[Hazel at the Hill]

Hmm...well you need 6lb of gooseberries to make a gallon, according to CJJ Berry...

[Polly Fouracre]

Don't believe them! Gooseberry chutney is the best! Recipe below.

3lbs. gooseberries.topped and tailed
8oz. onions,finely chopped
12oz seedless raisins (or dates, or a mixture of the two)
1 tblspn salt
1 tblspn ground ginger
1tspn mixed spice
1 pt. white or cider vinegar
8oz sugar

Put gooseberries and sugar in a pan with just enough water to prevent burning.
Bring to the boil then simmer until pulpy, stirring occasionally.
Stir in dried fruits,salt, spices and half the vinegar. Cook gently for about 20 mins. until mixture thickens. Add sugar and rest of vinegar and stir until sugar dissolves. Simmer gently for a further 20 mins. or so until thick. Pot into hot jars and seal.
(Readers Digest Farmhouse Cookery)
As this is a bit special I put it into little jars and keep it as gifts or a treat!

[amandaandherveg]

Oh, Polly, liking the sound of that recipe, going to give it a go tonight. Will report back later.

UPDATE

It's bubbling away nicely as I type.