Lady M’s Green Tomato Chutney—Summer has gracefully transitioned into fall, with plenty of rain, no deep freeze so far, and the tomatoes in my garden, although no longer ripening, are abundant. And what’s more, the local apples are ripe. I know of only one recipe that can transform these plentiful harvests into something extraordinary: Lady M’s Green Tomato Chutney. This delightful chutney, once tasted, will undoubtedly become a staple on your dinner table.
First Encounters with the Unforgettable Chutney
My first encounter with this green tomato chutney was in 1979 at Finlaystone Estate. I remember vividly how it elevated every forkful of roasted pork, beef, lamb, cottage pie, or even a slice of cheese. Its sweet, sour, tangy, earthy and lightly spiced flavor is simply unforgettable. Then, at the end of that summer, Lady M and her daughter Judy graciously showed me the secret to making this traditional, UK-style chutney. Here I report it to you as faithfully as I can, using the correct amount of vinegar 1 part vinegar to 4-5 parts of fruit (apples and tomatoes), for safe preservation and good flavor balance.
I worked at Finlaystone Estate, in Renfrewshire, Scotland when it was a private home, before it opened to the public. This chutney recipe, crafted by Lady M herself, was a cherished oral recipe in the 1970s at Finlaystone, and I, and the bevy of cooks that both preceded then followed me, learned it in those ancient kitchens.
Travel Gourmet Offers Katie Stewart’s Recipe for Green Tomato Chutney
Although there are numerous green tomato chutney recipes, none I’ve tasted so far rivals this one. Its perfect blend of pungent, zesty, and sweet aromas filled the Finlaystone kitchen—and now my kitchen in Colorado—as it simmered on the old coal-burning Esse stove. But a word of advice: be sure to open the kitchen windows to let out some of that intense aroma.
John discovered this delightful chutney just this week and is already wondering how we ever lived without it. I highly recommend you give it a try; it’s a culinary experience you won’t soon forget.
I am interested in your post as Judy is my mother and Lady M was my grandmother. This chutney recipe is still getting lots of use this side of the Atlantic!
Hi Alice, Catherine Ripley here; I think the last time I saw you was in 1979 at Finlaystone back in my days working for your grandma and grandpa Lady M and Sir Gordon. It’s so good to hear from you. Back then Lady M’s green tomato chutney was a revelation to me. Are you making this or any other old family recipes for your family now? I hope your mother is doing well. Judy was one of my favorite people there, and I loved her ability to do impressions other people. Alice, in this era of self-publishing, have you and your ma ever thought about doing a Finlaystone cookbook? Making the assumption you would be interested, it could feature some old-time, Mrs. Beetonesque recipes, some of Lady M’s and local favorites, and contain some family lore about Sunday lunches, reel dancing, etc., as well as a lot of fabulous photos. Just an idea.