Dried apricots are used to make this delicious sweet and savory, somewhat spicy, jam. The Italian name for this condiment is "mostarda" as it uses mustard seeds to add the edge to the sweet jam, as well as crushed red pepper flakes for an unexpected taste of heat.
Make a full recipe, or even double it, as the mostarda stores well in a glass container kept in the refrigerator for a few weeks. Pictured here I have used the mostarda with a soft goat cheese, pistachios, and sourdough crackers. It also works well added to mayonnaise to make a sandwich spread for turkey sandwiches served with tea for a tea party. Most commonly, the mostarda is used as part of a charcuterie board paired with cured meats, cheeses, spiced nuts, olives, and breadsticks. All delicious together.
Apricot Mostarda
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon coarse grain mustard, such as Maille
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
5 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 cups dried apricots, chopped
Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add in the chopped shallot and salt, stirring to combine, cooking for about 2 minutes until the shallots are soft. Stir in the coarse grain mustard and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute. Add in the vinegar and sugar. Bring to a simmer, stirring often until the sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes.
Whisk in the Dijon mustard, and 1 cup of apricots. Bring this to a simmer, stirring often, cooking for 8-10 minutes. The apricots will become plump and begin to thicken into a jam-like consistency. Turn off the heat, stirring in the remaining apricots. Cover the pan with a lid, cool to room temperature. Serve with soft cheeses, cured meats, nuts, and with crackers or toasted crostini.
Mostarda can be stored in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for several weeks. Serve at room temperature.
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