Indian strawberry chutney

Panch phoron is an east Indian Bengali spice mix used to season many dishes. It is aromatic and colourful. The spices are used in equal proportions, although you can vary it according to taste. To use, it is first fried in oil or ghee, which causes it to start popping but develops the flavour. To prepare panch phoron, combine 1 tsp each of fennel seeds, black mustard seeds, nigella seeds, fenugreek and cumin seeds. Lightly roast in a small frying pan for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Set aside.

Ingredients

1 kg	Strawberries (Main)
1 Tbsp	Grated ginger
1 cup	White sugar
1 tsp	Canola oil
2 tsp	Panch phoron, from recipe above
2 small	Red chillies, chopped or left whole (Main)
½ cup	White vinegar
1 small	Lemon, grated rind and juice of

Directions

1. Wash and hull the strawberries, then cut into quarters or slice. Combine with the root ginger and sugar in a large stainless steel saucepan. Stand for 1 hour.
2. Heat the oil in a small frying pan. Add 2 teaspoons of the panch phoron and the chillies and fry for 30 seconds. Add to the strawberries. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often. Add the vinegar and lemon rind and juice and simmer until a jam-like consistency is reached, about 15-20 minutes. Pour into hot sterilised jars, sprinkle with the remaining panch phoron and seal.
3. Best enjoyed when freshly made. Store in a cool place. This chutney is excellent served with curries, cheese, barbecued meats or cold cuts.

See Jan's other festive edible gift ideas:

• Balsamic caramelised walnuts
• Christmas muesli
• Peanut butter and marshmallow fudge