Kasoundi (tomato chilli oil pickle)

This preserve is an Indian style chilli oil pickle.  You will notice that the finished product has some oil floating on top.  Please don’t be tempted to remove it, as it is an essential ingredient for the preserving.

Once the jar is emptied of pickle, this oil, which will remain to some extent in the jar.  It can be used to flavor dressings, or to sauté meats, chicken, fish or vegetables.

My personal favourite is to dip little pieces of fresh baked crusty bread into the flavoursome oil, a simple feast but absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

1½ cups white or cider vinegar

20 cloves garlic

2.5cm piece of green ginger

250g long red or green chillies, stalk end removed and each cut into 3 pieces

2kg ripe tomatoes, chopped

1½ tablespoons of mustard seeds

1 ½ cups oil such as mild flavoured olive, peanut or sunflower

One and a half tablespoons of turmeric

4 tablespoons cumin powder

1¼ cups sugar

1 tablespoon salt

Method

Peel the garlic and ginger, then place in a food processor with the chillies.

Blend well on high speed until well pureed. You can chop by hand of course if you don’t have a food processor)

Place in a large saucepan or jam pan with the rest of the ingredients.  Bring to the boil, stirring, then simmer for approximately two hours or until desired consistency is reached.

Pour into warm sterilized jars and seal immediately.