Name: Blatjang
Yield: Makes about 2,5 litres (about 2.5 quarts)
Ingredients: 250 g (8 ounces) dried apricots, chopped; 250 g (8 ounces) seedless raisins; 3 litres (12 cups) grape (wine or cider) vinegar; 4 large onions, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, crushed; 500 g (1 pound) brown sugar; 200 g (6 1/2 ounces) flaked almonds; 30 ml (2 tablespoons) salt; 45 ml (3 tablespoons) ground ginger; 30 ml (2 tablespoons) ground coriander; 30 ml (2 tablespoons) mustard seeds; 10 ml (2 teaspoons) chilli powder

This recipe originally accompanied bobotie.

Before we learned to make our own chutney from ingredients as diverse as apricots, dates, quinces and raisins, blatjang was imported from Java, made from sun-dried prawns and shrimps, which were pounded with a wooden pestle and mortar; and shaped into masses resembling large cheeses.

Blatjang is the pride of Cape Malay-cuisine, and the recipe is one of the oldest around. The name comes from one of the constituents of the Javanese sambal blachang. Early food writer; C Louis Leipoldt, described it as 'bitingly spicy, pungently aromatic, moderately smooth and a very intimately mixed association of ingredients.' There is nothing quite like blatjang to add zest to curries or braaied meat. Adjust the amount of chilli to suit your preference. Blatjang may be stored for up to a year; but refrigerate once the bottle has been opened.

Kitchen Tip:

Use glass canning jars with screw-top lids for this recipe, and sterilize them by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.

Recipe notes

29 Ricotta Recipes for Dinner, Dessert, and More

Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.

The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App This Week

Like seared scallop piccata and chocolate Guinness cake.

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Vegan Chili

This vegan chili skips the meat but keeps all of the smoky-savory flavors that make it so comforting: cocoa powder, beans, and all of the toppings.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.