India, Dec. 25 -- Cranberry chutney has become a familiar part of Christmas tables, especially as a side served with roasted dishes. Cranberries are native to North America and have been used in winter cooking since the 17th century because they store well and bring natural sharpness to rich meals. Over time, cranberry sauces and chutneys became closely linked with Christmas feasts.

This version takes a different route by pairing cranberries with panch phoron, a traditional spice blend from Eastern India made of five whole spices. Panch phoron has been used for centuries in Bengali kitchens, valued for how each spice releases flavour slowly when tempered. Bringing this spice mix into a Christmas chutney creates a bridge between Indian co...