SPICY LOW-SUGAR RHUBARB/APPLE CHUTNEY

One of our island friends-- an amazing gardener-- gifted us with a huge bag of rhubarb from her garden.  I normally would have no problem finding some yummy desserts to make with the rhubarb, but now that I have to eat a low-glycemic diet for pre-diabetes (which means very little sugar) I wasn't sure what to do with it.  After some thought and recipe searches, I decided to try making a spicy low-sugar chutney, using some apple, dried raisins (raisins are high in fiber, which lowers the glycemic load) just a little bit of lower-glycemic syrup.  (PS: I don't like stevia, and I prefer not to use artificial sweeteners.)

My first effort was a success!  I used only 1/2 cup of syrup (agave nectar or maple syrup) in a recipe that made about 2 qts.of chutney. It was quick to make, nthickener was necessary, and it is delicious!  It could  be water-bath canned, but I froze mine.

Printable Recipe

BRYANNA'S SPICY LOW-SUGAR RHUBARB/APPLE CHUTNEY
Makes about 2 qts. or 64/ 2 T. servings

8 cups diced rhubarb
3 cups diced apple (with the skin)
2 cups raisins (You could also use dried cranberries, which would make the chutney more red.)
1 cup finely chopped red onion
1 cup water
1/2 cup organic maple syrup or organic agave syrup
1/4 cup minced fresh ginger
2 T. + 2 tsp. balsamic vinegar (I prefer Costco's Kirkland  Signature brand, which is affordable, yet aged for 3 years and contains no wine vinegar or caramel color, unlike the 60-day-aged supermarket IGP brands. See http://www.costcoconnection.ca/connectioncaeng/20180506/?pg=89#pg89)
1 tsp. EACH ground allspice, salt, red pepper flakes and mustard powder
1/2 tsp. ground coriander

Mix everything together in a large pot and bring to a boil.  Turn down to a simmer and simmer (uncovered) for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it has thickened (it will thicken more when cooled).  Cook for about 5 minutes more and turn off the heat. Cool and spoon into sterilized 8 oz. canning jars. Water-bath can (see directions here) or freeze.

Nutrition Facts
Nutrition (per 2 T. serving): 30 calories, less than 1 calories from fat, less than 1g total fat, 0mg cholesterol, 1.7mg sodium, 96.4mg potassium, 7.6g carbohydrates, less than 1g fiber, 5.3g sugar, less than 1g protein, 0.9 points.

Enjoy!