Vegetarian mincemeat for mince pies
This fruity vegetarian mincemeat contains no suet, is quick and easy to make and will add a touch of luxury to your mince pies. If you wish to make vegan mincemeat simply substitute a plant based margarine for the butter.
Ingredients
- 2 apples
- 2 orange zest
- 1 lemon zest and juice
- 400 g dried fruit (sultanas, currants, etc)
- 300 g golden raisins
- 2 teaspoon ground mixed spice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 200 g soft brown sugar
- 75 g butter
- 120 ml brandy
Instructions
How to sterilise the jars
- First, check the jars and lids are in a good condition. Discard any lids which show any signs of damage or corrosion and discard any jars with cracked or chipped glass. Wash the jars and lids in hot soapy water and dry with clean kitchen paper. Alternatively, the jars and lids can be cleaned in a dishwasher on a hot wash. Place the jars (with lids removed) and lids on a baking tray in the oven at a low setting for around 10 to 15 minutes. Your jars will now be sterilised and ready to fill with your homemade mincemeat.
How to prepare the vegetarian mincemeat
- Peel and core the apples and finely dice.
- Juice and zest the lemon and zest the oranges.
- Place the diced apples in a large pan. Add the orange zest, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried fruit, spices, brown sugar and butter.
- Heat over a low heat until the butter has melted, stirring regularly so that the dried fruit is all coated in the melted butter and everything is evenly mixed.
- Set aside to cool.
- Stir in the brandy.
- Store in the fridge for a few days or transfer to sterilised jars if you wish to keep any longer.
Notes
Tips
- If you plan to use the mincemeat within a few days it can be covered and stored in the fridge until ready to use. If you plan to keep it for longer, the mincemeat should be stored in sterilised jars. So long as the jars have been thoroughly cleaned and sterilised the mincemeat can be stored for several months. If the mincemeat becomes dry then simply stir in a little brandy until it is the right consistency again.
- If you plan to use the mincemeat for mince pies the mince pies can be made in bulk and stored in the freezer. Simply defrost when needed on a plate at room temperature, or, pop in the microwave or in the oven on a low setting (but be careful not to overheat the mincemeat as it can easily become very hot).
- Mincemeat isn't only for mince pies, try mixing it with an equal quantity of stewed apples to use as a filling for pies, crumbles or strudel. Or why not make a tray of mincemeat Chelsea buns?
- Homemade mincemeat also makes a great gift during the festive period. Your friends or family are sure to appreciate a homemade gift, especially one which is not only useful but delicious too!
Nutrition
Calories: 37kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 0.3gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.04gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 6mgPotassium: 59mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 23IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 0.2mg
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