Plum Chutney's Perfect Cheesy Partners: A Guide

Plum chutney is a delicious condiment that can be paired with a variety of cheeses. Whether you're looking for a savoury, sweet, or spicy flavour profile, plum chutney is a versatile option that can elevate your cheese board or platter. From sharp cheddar to creamy Camembert, blue cheeses like Stilton, Fourme d'Ambert, and Gorgonzola Dolce, or even brie and mature cheddar, plum chutney offers the perfect balance of flavours to complement your favourite cheeses. So, get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your preferred pairing!

Plum chutney with blue cheese

Plum chutney is a delicious condiment that can be enjoyed with a variety of cheeses. When paired with blue cheese, it creates a delightful combination of flavours that will tantalize your taste buds. Here are some tips and suggestions to make the most of this mouth-watering duo.

The Perfect Pairing: Plum Chutney and Blue Cheese

The key to a successful pairing of plum chutney and blue cheese is finding the right balance between the sweetness of the chutney and the tanginess of the cheese. The deep, rich flavours of blue cheese, such as its sharp saltiness, complement the sweetness and tang of plum chutney. The chutney's texture also plays a role, as a thicker chutney can stand up to the creaminess of blue cheese.

Blue Cheese Recommendations

When it comes to selecting the perfect blue cheese to accompany your plum chutney, you have a variety of options. Here are some recommended choices:

• Strathdon Blue: This mellow blue cheese pairs beautifully with plum chutney, offering a harmonious combination of flavours.
• Hebridean Blue: If you prefer a punchier blue cheese, Hebridean Blue is an excellent choice. Its stronger flavour will hold its own against the sweet and tangy chutney.
• Stilton: A classic blue cheese, Stilton has a distinctive flavour and creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with plum chutney.
• Fourme d'Ambert: This French blue cheese has a slightly milder flavour and a creamy texture, making it an elegant match for the chutney.
• Gorgonzola Dolce: For those who enjoy an Italian twist, Gorgonzola Dolce is a sweet and creamy blue cheese that complements the chutney's sweetness.

Plum Chutney Ingredients and Preparation

To make the perfect plum chutney to accompany your blue cheese, consider including the following ingredients:

• Plums: Ripe, sweet, and juicy plums are essential. Look for varieties such as Damson, Victoria, or Greengage plums.
• Sugar: Brown sugar or caster sugar adds sweetness and helps to balance the flavour of the chutney.
• Vinegar: Vinegar is a key ingredient, with options such as balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or red wine vinegar. Red wine vinegar is a popular choice for its colour and flavour combination.
• Spices: Chilli flakes, Chinese five spice, cinnamon, and star anise can add a delightful kick to your chutney.
• Onions: Red or white onions add a sharp, savoury note to the chutney.
• Garlic: A clove or two of garlic can enhance the depth of flavour in your chutney.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you have the perfect pairing of plum chutney and blue cheese, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your culinary experience:

• Cheeseboard: Present your blue cheese and plum chutney on a cheeseboard with crackers or toasted sourdough. Add some charcuterie board cold cuts, such as prosciutto, for a decadent spread.
• Grilled Cheese: Try grilling your blue cheese until it bubbles, perhaps with a slice of prosciutto, and spread the chutney on top for a delicious melted treat.
• Salads: For a lighter option, serve your blue cheese and plum chutney with a potato salad or a rocket salad with toasted sourdough.
• Winter Warmers: During the colder months, pair your blue cheese and plum chutney with hot glazed ham or a hearty winter salad.

Spicy plum chutney

This chutney is a great way to preserve a surplus of plums and apples, and it's quite easy to make. You'll need plums, apples, onions, vinegar, sugar, and spices. The type of vinegar and sugar can be varied according to your preference—common choices include red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, white vinegar, brown sugar, and caster sugar. For spices, you can use cinnamon, star anise, mustard seeds, chilli flakes, Chinese five spice, or a mix of your own.

The process of making the chutney is fairly straightforward. Start by preparing the ingredients—wash and stone the plums, peel and chop the apples and onions, and crush the garlic. Transfer the fruit to a large stainless steel saucepan or heavy enamelled casserole dish, add the rest of the ingredients, and bring to a boil. Then, turn down the heat and simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally, until the chutney has thickened.

Once the chutney is ready, ladle it into sterilized jars and seal them. Store the jars in a cool, dark place and let the chutney mature for at least a month before opening. The flavour will improve with age, so it's best to wait a few months if you can.

Plum chutney with pork

Plum chutney is a delicious condiment that can be served with pork. The sweetness of the plums and the spice of the chutney complement the juicy tenderloin pork. Here is a recipe and some tips for serving plum chutney with pork.

Recipe for Plum Chutney:

This recipe for plum chutney with pork is adapted from Susan Spungen and published in Bon Appétit and Epicurious.

Ingredients:

• 4 red or black plums
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large shallot, sliced lengthwise
• 1/2 cup (packed) light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Sherry vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 2 teaspoons grated peeled ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary
• 4 teaspoons herbes de Provence
• 4 teaspoons olive oil
• Kosher salt, to taste

Instructions:

• Peel, halve, and pit the plums. Cut them into 1/2-inch wedges.
• Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften (about 2 minutes).
• Add the brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, mustard seeds, ginger, pepper, and 1/4 cup water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is fragrant (about 2 minutes).
• Stir in the plums. Cover and simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes.
• Uncover and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is soft and the juices have thickened (about 20-25 minutes).
• Season with salt to taste. Let the chutney cool slightly before serving.

Pork Tenderloin with Plum Chutney:

This recipe combines the plum chutney with pork tenderloin and pancetta (Italian bacon) or prosciutto.

Ingredients:

• 2 pork tenderloins (about 2 pounds)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 16 thin slices of pancetta or prosciutto (about 8 ounces)
• Rosemary, herbes de Provence, and oil, for the rub

Instructions:

• Stir rosemary, herbes de Provence, and oil in a small bowl to make a rub.
• Rub the mixture all over the pork and season with salt and pepper.
• Wrap the pancetta or prosciutto slices around the pork and tie them at 2-inch intervals with kitchen twine.
• Grill the tenderloins over a charcoal or gas grill. For a charcoal grill, build a medium-hot fire and push the coals to one side. For a gas grill, heat all but one burner to high.
• Grill the tenderloins over the hot part of the grill, turning frequently, until a crisp brown crust forms on all sides (about 8-10 minutes).
• Move the tenderloins to the cooler part of the grill to gently cook through. Cover and cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the middle of each loin registers 145°F (about 15-20 minutes).
• Transfer the tenderloins to a cutting board and let them rest for 10 minutes.
• Slice the pork thinly and serve with the plum chutney on the side.

Tips:

• The chutney can be made up to a week ahead of time. Cover and chill, then rewarm slightly before serving.
• The pork tenderloin can also be prepared a day in advance. Cover and chill, then grill when ready to serve.
• Any leftover chutney is excellent on pork sandwiches the next day.

Enjoy your delicious plum chutney with juicy pork tenderloin!

Plum chutney with poultry

Plum chutney is a versatile condiment that pairs well with various dishes, including poultry. Here are some tips and ideas for using plum chutney with poultry:

Choosing the Right Plum Chutney

The type of plum chutney you choose can enhance your poultry dish. Here are some variations to consider:

• Spiced Plum Chutney: Adding spices like chilli flakes, Chinese five spice, cinnamon, or mustard seeds gives a hot, earthy, or savoury flavour to the chutney. These spices pair well with the sweetness of the plums and can complement the flavours of poultry.
• Sweet Plum Chutney: A sweet variation, often achieved with brown or muscovado sugar, can balance the savoury notes of poultry. This type of chutney might be ideal if you're looking for a more rounded flavour profile.
• Tangy Plum Chutney: Plum chutney with a tangy twist can be achieved by using vinegar, such as balsamic, red wine, cider, or a combination. This variety can cut through the richness of poultry and provide a pleasant contrast.

Preparing Plum Chutney for Poultry

The consistency of the chutney is an important consideration when pairing it with poultry. Here are some tips:

• Thicker Chutney: If you're serving plum chutney as a condiment with roasted or grilled poultry, a thicker consistency is ideal. This can be achieved by reducing the juices during the cooking process or by adding cornflour as a thickening agent.
• Thinner Chutney: For a plum chutney relish, a thinner consistency is preferable. This can be achieved by including more of the juices released from the plums during the cooking process. A thinner chutney is perfect for drizzling over poultry dishes or using as a sauce.

Poultry Dish Ideas with Plum Chutney

Plum chutney can be a delicious accompaniment to various poultry dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Roasted Chicken: Try serving a generous portion of roasted chicken with a side of plum chutney. The chutney's sweetness will complement the savoury notes of the chicken, and its tangy notes will cut through the richness of the meat.
• Grilled Chicken Thighs: Plum chutney can be an excellent condiment for grilled chicken thighs. The charred flavours of the grilled chicken will be enhanced by the sweet and tangy notes of the chutney.
• Turkey Sandwiches: Leftover turkey sandwiches can be elevated with the addition of plum chutney. The chutney will provide a burst of flavour and moisture to the sandwich, making it a delightful lunch option.
• Christmas Turkey: During the festive season, plum chutney can be a delightful alternative to cranberry sauce. Serve it alongside your Christmas turkey for a unique and flavourful experience.
• Poultry Wraps: For a casual dining option, consider spreading plum chutney inside a wrap and filling it with sliced, grilled, or roasted poultry. Add some fresh greens, and you have a delicious and portable meal.

Plum chutney as a condiment

Plum chutney is an incredibly versatile condiment that can be paired with a variety of dishes, from appetisers to mains and even sandwiches. Here are some ways you can incorporate plum chutney as a condiment:

Cheese Boards

Plum chutney is a fantastic addition to any cheese board. Its sweet and tangy flavour pairs exceptionally well with strong, sharp cheeses. Blue cheeses such as Stilton, Fourme d'Ambert, and Gorgonzola Dolce are classic choices to accompany this chutney. However, it also tastes delightful with soft cheeses like Camembert. For a well-rounded cheese board, include a variety of cheeses with different textures and flavours, and don't forget the crackers!

Charcuterie Boards

In addition to cheese, plum chutney is a perfect condiment for charcuterie boards. Its fruity and spicy notes complement an assortment of cured meats, such as salami, prosciutto, and other cold cuts. Add some nuts, olives, and fresh or dried fruits to create a delightful spread for your next gathering.

Pork and Poultry

Plum chutney is an excellent condiment for pork dishes, especially leftover roast pork or pork ribs. It also goes well with roasted or BBQ chicken and even Asian-spiced duck. For a simple yet flavourful sandwich, spread some plum chutney on bread with leftover roast pork or turkey.

Other Savoury Dishes

Plum chutney is not just for cheese and meat; it can also enhance various savoury dishes. Try it with curries, stews, casseroles, or even on a classic ham sandwich. Its sweet and tangy flavour will add a unique twist to your everyday meals.

When serving plum chutney as a condiment, it's essential to consider the texture. For cheese and charcuterie boards, a thicker chutney is preferable, while thinner, more liquid chutney can be used as a relish or sauce for meats and sandwiches. Adjust the consistency by controlling the amount of liquid added and the duration of cooking.

Frequently asked questions