Spicy Tomato chutney

All good things must come to an end and so must this  Bengali holiday meal :) series.
But in Bengal...we make the end not just sweet...but spicy too. Aha! a dessert that has a bite to it. Makes the parting rather naughty and sweet :)

Ever wonder if you can make a chutney spicy?

The above is just that. Tomato chutney with some cayenne and allspice. My grandmother used to make this and told guests that once they had a dollop of this chutney, their age  would gets stuck right there. That's the spicy, a bit sticky and sweet dessert from the heart of Bengali cuisine
..and...
 your chance to stay forever whatever ...

Spicy tomato chutney

Ingredients:
3 big tomatoes cut in chunks
1/3rd cup of sugar.
1/2 tsp pf finely sliced ginger
1/2 tsp of whole all spice
A big pinch of cayenne pepper
A bit of salt for seasoning
2 tbsf oil
1 cup of water.
 A handful of raisins
A few dates slices up, seed removed. Optional

In a pot, heat the oil and pop the all spice and ginger. Saute for a few secs and add the tomato pieces. add the sugar, raisins and dates. saute till the tomatoes soften and sugar dissolves. 3-4 mins. Add the cayenne pepper and water and bring to a boil. Season with salt. Lower heat and simmer till you get a consistency that is a little gooey and a bit sticky :).  Usually about 10 mins. Add the dates.

Serve at room temperature. Never cold. Never ever hot. Just warm enough to keep the memories from fading and spice to take the sting away from farewell :)

Happy new year!