Rhubarb Sauce
- Preparation and cooking time
- Total time
- 10 minutes sterilising, and 24 hours to cool.
- More effort
- Makes Jars
Ingredients
- Seasonal Food In January - March
- 230g Shallots, peeled and very finely chopped (If you struggle to chop shallots finely then you can whizz them in a food processor)
- 1.5kg Rhubarb (Best if it is homegrown or bought from a local supplier) Washed, trimmed and cut into chunks.
- 450ml Malt Vinegar
- 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 6 Whole Cloves
- Pinch of sea salt
- Freshly ground Black pepper (grind in your mortar and pestle)
- 450g (1lb) Granulated Sugar
- 3 tsp Ground Turmeric
- 2 tsp Dry English Mustard Powder
- small pinch of ground Ginger powder
- 1tsp of brandy (optional)
You will need:
- 4 Small Jars
- Large heavy based pan (Not copper, brass, iron or aluminium based!)
- Deep Pan
- Tongs
- Spoons
- Jam Funnel
Method
- STEP 1To soften the shallots, boil in water for around 5 minutes. Drain once ready. Place the Rhubarb in the large pan with 150ml of the malt vinegar, shallots (drained), cayenne, cloves, salt and black pepper (ground). Bring this slowly to the boil with a few stirs, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for around an hour. after this hour is up place your jars in boiling water in the large pan and keep at a boil until needed.
- STEP 2Remove the cloves from the mixture with a fork and throw away. then you can puree the mixture in a food processor. Return the puree into a clean pan, mix in the sugar and the remaining vinegar and brandy, bring back to the boil, slowly. Stir regularly to dissolve all the sugar, this is very important. Stir in the Turmeric, mustard and ginger. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 30 minutes until lovely and thick, it may take longer or even less, just keep patient and stay with it. It needs to remain a consistency that is easily poured, bare this in mind.
- STEP 3Remove from the heat once ready and allow to cool slightly. Spoon into the hot jars and seal. Place back in the water and boil for 10 - 15 minutes. This is important if it is not going to be used straight away or quickly. Especially if being made for gifts.
- STEP 4Is great with cold meats or in luxury sandwiches with thick wholemeal bread. My Dad who grows his own rhubarb asked me to make something with his excess, (only so much rhubarb crumble we could eat) My grandma used to make this sauce with me years ago, but i have added the spices and brandy. Before it was too sweet for meats but too vinegary for puddings, however you do not have to use a whole teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you would prefer it to be slightly milder. This can be difficult to make if you are not patient, but is really worth the wait and work. Nothing beats a homemade Sauce.
