Blatjang facts for kids
Blatjang is a tasty South African chutney. It's made from dried fruits, usually apricots, and spicy chillies. These are cooked in vinegar. Blatjang is a common food in many South African homes. People serve it with meat dishes like bobotie and braai (South African barbecue). Think of it like a sweet and tangy sauce!
Contents
What is Blatjang?
Blatjang is a special kind of chutney from South Africa. It's made by cooking dried fruits, like apricots, with chillies in vinegar. It's a popular "condiment," which means it's a sauce or topping served with food to add extra flavor. You'll often find it with South African meals, especially meat dishes.
Where Did Blatjang Come From?
Blatjang has a rich history, just like South Africa itself! Its roots are in the Cape Malay community. This community has influences from places like Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and the Netherlands. This mix of cultures makes South Africa's food, including blatjang, very unique. The word "blatjang" comes from "belacan" in Malay or "blachang" in Indonesian. Even though these words are related, the original "belacan" is a different kind of condiment.
What Does Blatjang Taste Like?
Blatjang has a special flavor that's different from many other chutneys. It can be tangy, sweet, and very fruity all at once. It also has a smooth texture. A famous brand, Mrs Balls Fruit Chutney, is a good example of this taste.
Traditional blatjang is often made with dried apricots. Sometimes, peaches or mangoes are used instead. Other ingredients include raisins or dates, onion, garlic, cayenne pepper (a type of chilli), brown sugar, salt, ginger, fresh mustard, vinegar, and red chilli. All these ingredients blend together to create its unique flavor.
How to Make Blatjang
Over time, many South African foods have been changed and experimented with. People often adjust recipes to fit their own tastes or lifestyles. The recipe below shows a more traditional way to make blatjang. It's a fun way to try making this delicious South African sauce at home!
Ingredients You Will Need
| Ingredients |
|---|
| Dried Apricots (or Peaches/Mango) |
| Raisins |
| Brown Sugar |
| Vinegar |
| Chilli |
| Garlic |
| Onion |
| Salt |
| Mustard seeds |
| Spices (like Cayenne pepper) |
Simple Steps to Make Blatjang
Method
Step 1: Get your dried apricots and raisins ready. Put them in vinegar and let them soak overnight. This makes the fruits soft and plump.
Step 2: Carefully chop all your ingredients into small pieces. This helps them cook down smoothly.
Step 3: Put all the chopped ingredients into a saucepan. Cook them over medium heat without a lid. Stir the mixture sometimes. Keep cooking until the chutney becomes thicker, about one-third of its original amount. It should have a nice, thick texture.
Step 4: Once it's ready, pour the hot blatjang into clean, sterilized jars. Seal the jars tightly. Store them in a cool, dark place, like a cupboard. This helps keep the blatjang fresh for a long time!
