Runner bean chutney

Preserve allotment staple runner beans to enjoy later in the year in this zingy chutney. It will keep sealed in a cool, dry place for up to three months

Ingredients

• 1.2 kg runner beans
• 3 large white onions, chopped
• 700 ml white wine vinegar
• 400 g light brown soft sugar
• 1 tbsp ground turmeric
• 1.5 tbsp mustard seeds
• 0.5 tbsp English mustard powder
• 1 tbsp nigella seeds
• 65 g cornflour

Steps

1. Trim the ends of the beans and gently pull away any stringy bits on the sides. Cut diagonally into ½cm pieces. Bring a large pan of water to the boil and cook the beans for around 3 mins to soften slightly. Drain and plunge into a bowl of iced water, leave to cool for 5 mins, then drain and set aside.
2. Put the pan back on the hob and cook the onions in 350ml of the vinegar over a medium-low heat for 15 mins to soften, stirring occasionally. Add the sugar and 250ml of the remaining vinegar and cook for 2 mins more.
3. Combine the turmeric, mustard seeds and powder and nigella seeds with the cornflour, a good pinch of salt and the remaining 100ml vinegar. Mix well, then tip into the onion mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 3 mins to thicken, then add the beans. Bring to the boil, then turn the heat down and simmer for 30 mins, stirring regularly until the beans are tender but have a slight bite and the chutney has thickened slightly. Remove from the heat and decant into sterilised jars. Will keep sealed in a cool, dry place for up to three months. Once open, keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.