Red Tomato Chutney

This chutney would be delicious over any grilled veggie burger of your choice! Try the Bistro burger from Amy's (www.amys.com) for a lighter variety, or, if you really want something to sink your teeth into, try Amy's quarter-pounder... Since the flavors of this chutney start to trend towards fall, it's a great food for these end-of-August nights when things start to suddenly cool down again. If you prefer, make this in a couple more months and toss it with root vegetables - turnips, parsnips, sweet potato slices etc.. You could also make it now, mix it with vegan mayonnaise and voila - an instant dip for crudites.

To make: start by peeling 4 large tomatoes. Peeling tomatoes is an easy (and I think fun!) process; just bring a pot of water to a bowl. Mark a one-inch X in the bottom of each tomato with a knife. Place in the boiling water for 30 seconds to one minute, then immediately plunge in a bowl of ice water. The skins will slip right off!

Finely chop the tomatoes to equal 3 cups (although the recipe didn't specify, I seeded the tomato as well, so the chutney wouldn't be too runny). Place the tomato pieces in a large saucepan along with: 1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper, one cup finely chopped red onion, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup raw sugar, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (try an organic variety such as the one from Whole Foods' 365 brand), 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. mustard seeds, 1/4 tsp. cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. cumin, 1/4 tsp. allspice and 1/8 tsp. ground red pepper.

Bring to a boil, then reduced heat and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes until thick, stirring frequently. Cool, and then pour into an airtight container. You'll wind up with about 3 1/2 cups, but it will keep in the fridge for up to two months. Two tablespoons is 30 calories - enjoy the chutney with any of the suggestions above, or in your own creative way!

Cost:
tomato $4.72
red bell pepper $1.18
red onion $1.59
dried cranberries $5.99
brown sugar $3.39
ginger $1.32