CHUCK HUGHES: Mild Sun-Dried Tomato Spread – 375ml

Sun-dried tomato, done properly

Chuck Hughes Mild Sun-Dried Tomato Spread is a rich spread of sun-dried tomato, sweet and roasted peppers from Montreal chef Chuck Hughes — spoon it beside grilled lamb, chicken or through pasta. Sun-dried tomatoes and sweet red peppers cooked down with roasted and hot peppers into a thick, savoury spread — the sort of jar you keep in the fridge door because it makes everything it touches taste like more effort went in than actually did.

The flavour

Sun-dried tomato leads with its concentrated, slightly sweet intensity, backed by sweet red pepper and roasted pepper for depth. Garlic and a touch of hot pepper push gentle warmth underneath, citric acid keeps it bright rather than heavy, and the finish is mild — savoury and rounded, not sharp.

How to cook with it

• Toss through pasta with olive oil for an instant sauce
• Stir into a salad dressing for a sun-dried tomato kick
• Spread onto sandwiches instead of plain mayo or butter
• Serve as an hors d'oeuvre with crackers and cheese
• Rogue move: dollop onto grilled chicken or fish straight off the barbecue

In the jar

A thick, deep red spread with visible flecks of sun-dried tomato and pepper suspended through it — spreadable rather than runny, with real texture from the tomato pieces.

Ingredients & Dietary

Ingredients: Sun-dried tomatoes, Sweet red peppers, Canola oil, Roasted peppers, Hot peppers, Garlic, Salt, Vinegar, Citric acid, Calcium chloride, Sulphites.

Dietary: Vegan and gluten free. Contains sulphites. Always check the physical label for the most accurate ingredient and allergen information.

The Rub Smuggler's Verdict

Sun-dried tomato and sweet red pepper cooked down into something thick, savoury and dangerously spoonable. I stuff chicken with it. Slit the thighs, spread this inside, dust the outside with Taipan Mediterranean Magic and grill until golden. Hit it with Uncle Mungos Parmesan & Garlic as it comes off. Dinner looks like it took ages, and it didn't.

Questions answered

Is the Sun-Dried Tomato Spread spicy?

No — it's mild, with just a touch of hot pepper for background warmth rather than heat. It sits at 2 on our Sting Gauge.

What do I serve it with?

Pasta, salads, sandwiches, or as an hors d'oeuvre with crackers and cheese.

What allergens does it contain?

Contains sulphites. It's vegan and gluten free. Always check the physical label for the latest.