Priya's Tomato Lavender Chutney
Something short and sweet for today. I'm catering Erika's 40th birthday tomorrow night--munchies for 75 karaoke-singing, beer-drinking folks. In other words, they may not appreciate this sublime little concoction, but I thought maybe you would. Also, if the next 20 posts seems like cocktail food, they are. This blog goes as my life goes, even if that means cabbage for 6 days in a row.
Priya brings this chutney to book club sometimes with triple cream brie and crackers. If we had actually started talking about the book (doubtful), that conversation ceases when this appears. I usually eat it quite quickly so as to get more than my friends. Now they know.
I've copied it several times in my kitchen, but this time got the the official recipe from Priya. It was better, mostly because I used shallots instead of onions. I roll my eyes when people talk about the delicate flavor of shallots, but it's true (and they are cheap at MacPhersons). As my mom discovered recently, there's something to be said for following the recipe. She made Dara's oven-dried tomatoes and turned the oven way up for speediness. She woke in the middle of the night to little charcoal briquettes. I wish she had sent a photo.
I'm serving this tomorrow night with crackers and Cambozola, but have used it to fill galettes or as an accompaniment to pork. I've often made it without lavender, which I bought at PFI. Loretta stuck her nose in the bag time after time--"Mommy, I want to smell again!"
Happy 40th, Erika. In five years that will be me, and I hope I'm half as hip and accomplished as you are.
Priya's Tomato Lavender Chutney
2 Tb. olive oil
3 Tb. minced shallots
2 Tb. minced garlic
3 Tb. minced ginger
2 ts. dried lavender
1 c. red wine vinegar
1 c. sugar
2 28 oz. cans whole tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped (or whizzed quickly in food processor)
salt to taste
Heat olive oil in a medium sized pot over low heat. Add garlilc, shallots and ginger. Stir until soft and fragrant. Add vinegar, sugar and lavender. Reduce to half the volume. Add tomatoes and stir on until thickened (about 40 minutes). Season with salt. Chill.
May 15, 2009
Reader Comments (12)
yum. i'll have to try this when my lavendar is ready to pick. also, i made the egg noodle ramen...deliciousness. AND, those gallettes are little pies from heaven. i just made my third batch this week (all to give away, unfortunately for me).
i thought i was the only one that attempted to get more than my share of this scrumptiousness. hmmm...
it has to be said that this is ALWAYS a hit. it's become a fantastic stand by when i'm asked to bring an appetizer. thanks for the reminder that this would be an amazing galette filling.
Need to mention that I stole this recipe from a friend who got it at a cooking class somewhere up north. So while I gave it to Sarah, it is not my flavor combination. (But oh how I wish I could take credit.) I'm simply not that clever. Happy to share though, obviously.
p.s. When I bring this to book club, I always make extra and leave half at home just so that I don't begrudge my friends for eating what I've brought. HA!
Sarah, this sounds divine! There are always "little" family get-togethers going on, and everyone loves crackers with whatever kind of cheese and other yumminess goes with it... I'm so excited to bring something to the table that no one else has brought before (unless my sisters see this recipe, too, and make it before I do)!
Thanks so much for sharing with us!
Sounds like you'd better get in the kitchen, April! Thanks for following along.
gorgeous photos sarah! sure wish i could have made it down to help you out. I was dissapointed i wouldn't get to work alongside you in the kitchen, it's one of my favorite ways to visit with you. best wishes for a smashing party. get ready for more requests, they're gonna love it.
papa's sad too...no hugs from wyatt and loretta.
i promise to try this before I drink too much wine tomorrow night. I wouldn't want to miss the nuances of this amazing looking (and surely divine tasting) creation!
have a great party! best to you in all your kitchen endeavors as you cater!
God, I miss book club, and I've never even been! Don't bother inviting me... I can't come.
This too shall pass, this too shall pass, this too shall pass...
In the meantime, I've lost a LOT of weight since I haven't been around to eat Priya's food! Hmm.
And I'll continue to enjoy the technological miracles that allow me a little virtual community, expanded a little now by a "cooking blog" of all things. Wonders never cease. Thanks, Sarah!
Naomi - You'd love this chutney. I'll make some for you and bring it to you someday. Not sure what day, but soon. Promise. I'm sure your cholesterol has dropped since you've stopped eating my food too. Sigh. Can't say the same thing is true for me.
Priya, I think your cholesterol MAY have dropped just a little since eating my food. What's "my" food? Ezelle's Fried Chicken, of course! Thanks for the offer, that very sweet. And fattening. Yum!
In one year, two months, and ten days that will be me and I would like to have this chutney please! :)