Make Ahead

Mama's Mango Chutney

February 25, 2010
0
0 Ratings
  • Serves 8-10 cups
Author Notes

Every summer, when mangoes were in season, my mother would make a batch or two of her chutney, a recipe given to her by her friend, Phyllis, in the mid-1960's. I remember how the tart, fruity aroma of mangoes and vinegar would waft through our house. My mother would cook it all day in her big cast iron Dutch oven. She had her pot of boiling water filled with jars and lids.
Once my folks retired and moved across the country to my turf, we made batches in our respective kitchens and taste-tested results. Special friends earned a precious jar, but we made sure to save one for that turkey sandwich after Thanksgiving, when the guests had gone and the cooks could relax.
I lost my mother to cancer over Thanksgiving 2007, our favorite holiday. I couldn't bear to make chutney during that long, sad summer of 2008.
Last year, when the mangos were big and juicy, I made two batches. As I stirred the simmering chutney, I could hear Mama, "...just a little longer, darling...turn the filled jars over for five minutes to seal them...they're hot, be careful." I wasn't alone in my kitchen any more. Mama was right there, reminding me that I will always be her daughter. —Lizthechef

Continue After Advertisement
Ingredients
  • 6-8 ripe mangos, chopped, plus juice
  • 2 cups apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cups organic cane sugar (or white sugar)
  • 1 and 1/2 cups golden raisins
  • 1/2 cup candied ginger, medium diced
  • 2 tablespoons mustard seed
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
Directions
  1. Combine sugar and vinegar and bring to boil in large, heavy pot. Add mangos, raisins, ginger, mustard seed, onion and garlic.
  2. Cook 2-4 hours over low heat, uncovered, stirring often.
  3. Pour into sterile jars and can according to safe practices. The chutney can be stored for up to 1 year, but it will be eaten long before then. NOTE: visit the Ball canning site to review safe canning practices.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

39 Reviews

aargersi April 24, 2013
I make this and a mango-peach version every year - some for gifts and most for ME!!! I love this recipe!!!
TheWimpyVegetarian April 22, 2013
This is my all-time favorite, Liz!!
Lizthechef April 22, 2013
I just made a batch yesterday, Susan - thanks.
dymnyno April 19, 2013
This is my favorite mango chutney recipe...I always have a jar or two or three in my pantry.
Lizthechef April 19, 2013
As is your cherry chutney on the site - X0 Liz
healthierkitchen May 17, 2012
missed out on testing this for CP - already taken- but I will make this soon as it sounds delicious. Funny, we just communicated this morning about jam!
I have to tell you that I've made this a couple times now and it's absolutely wonderful!
healthierkitchen May 17, 2012
I have just put mangoes on my shopping list so that I can make it over the weekend! Regular mangoes or champagne/ataulfa?
Lizthechef May 24, 2012
Regular mangos are fine - that is what I always use.
healthierkitchen May 24, 2012
Great! I ended up buying some of each as I needed atualfa for the recipe I tested for CP. So, now I have some and will make this soon!
dymnyno May 2, 2012
Liz, I love this chutney. You forced me to make your recipe because I ran out of the jars you gave me. It is a fool proof recipe...perfect every time. It is delicious with roast pork or chicken or in egg salad and straight out of the jar.(to name a few)
Lizthechef May 2, 2012
Thanks, Mare, I just made a batch this morning before I knew about the contest theme!
aargersi May 2, 2012
I will be making a mango peach version of this again as soon as Texas peaches are ready - this year I will need 24 half pints - 12 was NOT ENOUGH!!!
Lizthechef May 2, 2012
Peach - sounds like a great combo with mango!
TheWimpyVegetarian August 15, 2011
I had this amazingly delicious chutney last night with some pork chops. Both Myles and I just absolutely love, love, love it!!! We both just started eating it out of the jar after dinner....:-) GREAT recipe Liz!!
Lizthechef August 16, 2011
Thanks, Susan, it is so easy to make this recipe. The trick is to buy really good mangoes and let them get very ripe. I buy them in summer at Costco! So happy you both enjoyed your jar!
boulangere August 7, 2011
I now love using my mother's glass lemon reamer, the little cut glass pitcher that held cream skimmed from the milk of their cows, and I love mango chutney. So generous of you to share both it and its story.
Lizthechef August 14, 2011
So glad you enjoyed it!
MyCommunalTable August 7, 2011
I have had this...fabulous.
Lizthechef August 14, 2011
Thanks, Elizabeth, I just made a batch of your rhubarb chutney!
Lizthechef July 30, 2011
ps to aargersi: this is the daughter-in-law of Phyllis, her recipe.
aargersi July 20, 2011
Hi Liz! I made another batch last night - my version using both mango and peach - and it is wonderful. Your mother certainly has improved my world with her chutney recipe! Thanks again for sharing it!
Lizthechef July 30, 2011
Amazingly, I recently met my former baby-sitter, the daughter-in-law of the woman who gave this recipe to my Mom. We flew back to eastern PA this June. I was so overwhelmed I forgot to take a photo. Mary Alice was in tears when I gave her the original mango chutney recipe to share with her sister-in-law. We had not met in over 50 years,by the way. An amazing reunion.
Frank B. November 27, 2010
Thanks, sounds terrific. A question about finishing... Do you cook the jarred chutney in a water bath? If so, for how long? Thanks.
Lizthechef November 27, 2010
I have never used a water bath, not did my mother - but, by all means, just to be safe, 15 minutes in a water bath if you feel safer...
Sunchowder August 22, 2010
I can't wait to make this Liz!
CRussell August 21, 2010
This is one of my favorite recipes too, and what a wonderful story!
Lizthechef August 20, 2010
NOTE: Made a recent batch of this and was out of golden raisins. Updated photo reflects this - sorry.
aargersi June 16, 2010
Liz I made a version of this - mango and peach, with a few twists - and it is wonderful! I had your Mama's photo up on the computer while I was cooking it and she helped me get it right I think - so thanks to both of your for the recipe and the memories!!!
Lizthechef June 28, 2010
In tears, just found your comment - my Mama would so dig food52 and lovely people such as you - made my week - and this was the week I finally won the last spot in the book. Your note means as much to me as a place in the cookbook - family is all about why we cook. best X0, liz
Lizthechef April 23, 2010
The contest is almost over, Mama, and you won. I love and miss you, Elizabeth
Lizthechef April 23, 2010
You won for me no matter what the score.
dymnyno April 19, 2010
Thanks for sharing your sweet story.
chez L. April 19, 2010
beautiful story and lovely recipe
drbabs April 19, 2010
Your story made me cry.
Lizthechef April 19, 2010
Me too...
TheWimpyVegetarian April 19, 2010
Me three. What a wonderful heart-warming story. And I love mangos and love to make chutney and will definitely make this recipe! Need to go get a kleenex now.