runner bean chutney - am I doing something wrong?

[gwynleg]

Have just made runner bean chutney with a recipe that I found on this site. It said 3lb runner beans to 2 pints vinegar.  This seemed an awful lot and the 1tbsp of cornflour had to be multiplied by at least 3 to get it less runny (even after too long boiling). will it go more solid in the jars? Any experienced runner bean chutney makers out there please?

[gwynleg]

[Biscombe]

Never made it myself, but I'd be tempted to add some chopped onions. I'm sure someone will come to the rescue soon  ;) come on Tim  8) where are you!!

[shirley B]

Hi,  I have made runner bean chutney for several years, always comes out well
2lb beans,  4 or 5 large onions, 1 1/2 pints vinegar, 1 1/2 lb brown sugar,
1 1/2 level  tablespoons cornflour,
1        "           "              mustard powder
1        "           "               turmeric.

slice beans and onions boil till tender in salted water (I never use salt and soften in a pressure cooker, it saves a lot of straining off water)  strain well
and chop fine, boil for 1/4 hour in vinegar with sugar,
mix c/flour mustard and turmeric, with a little vinegar to a paste, add to beans and cook for a further 1/4 hour.  put in jars in usual way  quick & easy.

[gwynleg]

That sounds like the same proportions happygnan - how loose is the mixture after cooking? My recipe says cooking for 20 mins once you have mixed everything but it was very runny at this stage.  I added more cornflour and boiled a bit more but am now worried it might turn out glutinous.

[dtw]

I always use this recipe, http://www.hookerycookery.com/pickle008.htm
and modify to whatever vegetable I am using.
I use Lo-Salt and put in less anyway.
No cornflour required!

I had never thought of using runner beans in a chutney, I suppose it's no different
than using sweetcorn.
I would have thought they would need less liquid as they don't absorb it or turn
mushy to thicken it.

[gwynleg]

Thanks DTW, thats really helpful - I love ginger and this looks just what I need for my courgette glut! I need people to give me more jars now
Gwynleg

[shirley B]

morning Gwynleg,  wasn't sure how to describe my chutney,except to say loose but thick, my family and a couple of friends I supply are always ready for a jar or two.  I made another lot last night and as an experiment used only 1 pint of vinegar (being honest forgot to get more) this morning turned over a half jar and chutney stayed where it was with just a few drips of juice trickling down the jar maybe somewhere in between for you?. would like to know how you get on and what recipe you use.   :)gnan. 

[gwynleg]

Hi happygnan
the recipe I used had these ingredients:

3 pounds of runners,
1 pound of peeled onions.
2 pints of vinegar
2 pounds soft Demerara sugar
2 tablespoons of tumeric
2 teaspoons of mustard powder
1 tablespoon of cornflower
Salt

I tasted it before putting it in jars and it was fine but havent yet tried the cooled version - when I move the jar it does come away from the side - but slowly which is not unlike the bramble jelly I made (great success that). I did use 3-4 tbsps of cornflower though so will let you know if it tastes too gloopy as a result

[jennym]

I use this recipe (think it might be an adapted W.I. one)
Runner beans 1000g
Malt vinegar 1300ml
White onions 700g
White sugar 450g
Muscavado sugar 125g
10ml (2 teasponns) turmeric
15ml (3 teaspoons) mustard flour
25ml (5 teaspoons) cornflour
2.5ml (1/2 a teaspoon)