When we think about jams and preserves, winter fruits come to our mind. However, the summers in India comes with a lot of bounty. This season yields the juiciest mangoes, litchis, guava, peaches, watermelon and much more. Mangoes can be used both raw and ripe to make preserves. This is the best time to stock on the summer fruits and make some delicious preserves, chutneys and relishes. Check out our collection of recipes
Bengali Style Papaya Chutney:
Grate raw papaya and set aside. In a pan add some fennel seeds and the grated papaya. Add water, castor sugar, bay leaf, and raisins. Let it to gently simmer for 30 minutes till it thickens up. Let the chutney cool down completely before transferring in sterilized glass jars. Seal the jars and refrigerate. You can also serve this chutney with the best basmati rice pulao and papad.
Shimla Peach & Rosemary Preserve:
Summer gets a bounty of local peaches from Shimla and adjacent Himachal regions. Start with slicing the peaches. Place the peaches in a pan and sprinkle some vanilla sugar. Add the fresh rosemary sprigs and honey. Set it in low heat to gently simmer. Cool the preserve before transferring in glass jam jars. Serve this jam on a piece of crusty sourdough bread and top with crumbled goat cheese.
Lemon & Orange Marmalade:
Zest and juice two lemons and two oranges. In a saucepan add the lemon & orange juice, castor sugar, and lemon zest. Add some thyme sprigs. Set it on a gentle simmer for 20 minutes, until it thickens. There’s no need to add pectin or any other preservatives as orange has natural pectin. Cool the marmalade before transferring in glass jam containers.
Totapuri Raw Mango Jam:
Grate raw totapuri mangoes and set it aside. In a pan sauté some fennel seeds, cumin seeds, coriander seeds until fragrant. Add the grated mango and sauté until tender. Add some castor sugar and water. Set it to a gentle simmer until it thickens. Transfer in sterilized jars and keep it refrigerated.
Make these chutneys and preserves and serve with your favorite dishes. When refrigerated, these preserves will stay well for months.