- 1 whole star anise
- 1 whole clove
- 1 2-inch piece cinnamon stick
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 2-inch piece peeled fresh ginger, cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
- 1 tablespoon whole mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 pounds red, black, green, or blue plums (tart or sweet; about 5 large),quartered, pitted
- Finely grind star anise, clove, and cinnamon stick in spice mill or coffee grinder.
- Combine spice mixture, vinegar, sugar, ginger, mustard seeds, and pepper in heavy large saucepan. Stir over medium-high heat until sugar dissolves and bring to boil. Add plums; reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until chutney thickens and chunky sauce forms, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes. Cool. Season to taste with salt.
- Available in the spice section of some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and Asian markets.