Substitute For Marsala In Fig And Olive Chutney

Asked by Gill Catterall. Answered on 14th May 2016

Full question

I would like to make the Fig And Olive Chutney as I love the combination of fennel and figs. I've run out of marsala, is there anything else I can use? Actually, could I use pastis as there is fennel in the recipe?

Our answer

Nigella's Fig And Olive Chutney (from NIGELLISSIMA) is a quick-to-make chutney with dried figs, black olives and marsala wine. Marsala is a fortified wine from Sicily that comes in sweet and dry forms and for this recipe dry marsala is preferred. Madeira wine is the best substitute for marsala, as they have very similar flavour profiles. As Marsala is produced in a similar way to sherry then a dry, rich sherry, such as an Amontillado, would be a good substitute. Tawny port is also a possible substitute.

Pastis is an anise-flavoured spirit with a much higher alcohol level than marsala (around 40% ABV vs marsala at around 17% ABV). So it will have more bite and possibly a slightly harsher flavour than the more rounded marsala. The anise flavour can also be quite dominating. Pastis turns cloudy when it comes into contact with water and we are slightly concerned that this could affect the appearance of the chutney. So on balance we would not particularly recommend using pastis as an alternative to marsala.