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Bacon & Onion Relish
Irene Muller

Onion & Bacon Relish (Chutney)

Looking to elevate your favorite dishes? This homemade bacon and onion relish (chutney) is the perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavours.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: Global
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 500g smoked bacon cut in small pieces
  • 4 medium red onions thinly sliced
  • 1 white onion thinley sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 10ml mustard seeds
  • 125ml brown sugar
  • 125ml Turkish Fig Balsamic Reduction or any other balsamic vinegar
  • 100ml old brown sherry
  • 4 bay leaves
  • 5ml cayenne pepper

Method
 

Method:
  1. Crisp the Bacon
    In a frying pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics
    Using the same pan, sauté the onions, garlic, and mustard seeds in the rendered bacon fat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently and scraping up any browned bits.
  3. Deglaze & Reduce
    Pour in the sherry and stir in the brown sugar. Let the mixture reduce by half, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely.
  4. Combine Ingredients
    Add the balsamic reduction, bay leaves, and cayenne pepper. Stir well.
  5. Finish Cooking
    Return the bacon to the pan and let the mixture simmer until thick and syrupy, about 10 minutes.
  6. Store & Serve
    Transfer the relish to a sterilized 500ml jar, allow it to cool, then refrigerate to let the flavorus meld.
  7. Serving Suggestions
    Enjoy this relish as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats. It also pairs beautifully with cheese platters and roasted vegetables.
    📌 Storage Tip: Keep refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to two weeks.