1 lb. dates, seeded
1 oz. chilies, dried
3 cloves garlic, peeled
1/2 oz. ginger, peeled
2 c. white vinegar
1/2 c. sugar
Salt to taste

Remove seeds from dates, grind them and set aside. Grind the chilies, garlic, ginger, and half the amount of the vinegar and set aside.

Make a syrup of sugar and remaining vinegar. Add ground ingredients and salt. Boil together until thick. Let it cool, then add dates and store covered, in the refrigerator.

Variation: For Tomato Chutney, use 1 pound fresh tomatoes, increase sugar to 2 cups, and reduce vinegar to 1 cup. Keep all other ingredients in the same proportions.