Spicy Rhubarb Chutney to Can or Freeze

Step 1

Combine all the ingredients in a 6 or 8-quart stainless steel pot. Stir well and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer (a very gentle boil) and cook, uncovered, until thick, about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally, and more towards the end as the chutney is thickening.

Step 2

For Canning: While the mixture cooks, prepare six half-pint jars (or three pints) and keep hot until needed. Prepare canning lids according to manufacturer's directions, and start the water heating in the canner. (Refer to these directions if you need a water bath canning refresher.)

Step 3

When the chutney is cooked, ladle into 1 jar at a time, leaving 1/4-inch headspace, wiping the rim with a damp cloth, and attaching the lid. Place jar in prepared canner. Fill and close remaining jars.

Step 4

Process jars in a boiling-water canner for 15 minutes. Turn off burner, remove lid and let jars sit in the canner for 5 minutes. Carefully remove to a towel-lined counter and let cool. Check seals before labeling and storing in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate any jars that didn't seal to use within 3 to 4 weeks.

Step 5

For Freezing: simply ladle slightly cooled chutney into clean freezer-safe containers, label and freeze for up to a year.