Spiced Damson Chutney

The Greek gods on Olympus had ambrosia to sustain their eternal existence. Its composition is still up for debate. We mere mortals have Delia’s ‘Spiced Damson Chutney’ which confers everlasting pleasure in this life. Its composition is well-documented and should be referenced every season to ensure that plentiful stocks are made.

Delia venerates this chutney above all others. Yes, I continue to make other varieties - a runner bean, and a green tomato especially. But I still shiver at the thought of exhausting supplies of this beauty before damson season returns.

Click here for the all-important recipe.

The trio of photos above show just three details from the chronology of cooking this tracklement.
* Lots of preparation is involved before all is brought to bubbling point. Fingers on their way to inevitable staining - but with something considerably more wholesome than nicotine
* From interesting, but relatively muted, colours something of deep, dark lustre will emerge
* The muslin sack with its spent spicy contents leeches out more luscious syrup which joins the final mix

Thanks to excellent service from ‘Nearly Naked Veg’ I was once again able to order prime fruits to start simmering this year’s supply.
Fed up with phoning locally to find out I’ve missed the harvest, I now rely on an online order to ensure this firm favourite can be made.
If you hand picked your own I doubt whether you would be fussy enough to end up with such a glorious selection as were sent by Nearly Naked Veg. They take huge pride in their product and great care in packaging for safe arrival.

I’ve linked to the recipe. All I can suggest to first-time or relatively inexperienced chutney fanciers is to take things slowly. You will have time - usually hours - for other things. Do return regularly to the pan and check for the time when all gets sticky but before any burning spoils things.
I leave more liquor than Delia suggests. It will begin a soft set as it cools.

Having ordered 3 kilograms of damsons, I was able to make two batches over a couple of days and, using the definitely dodgy inspiration of a successful bank robber, came away with quite a haul.

Lovely. Utterly lovely.