Like chutney perhaps, put on the table in advance? (9)
I believe the answer is:
preserved
'like chutney perhaps' is the definition.
'on the table in advance?' is the wordplay.
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'the table' becomes 'served' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'in advance?' becomes 'pre' (prefix meaning 'before').
'served' put after 'pre' is 'PRESERVED'.
'put' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for preserved that I've seen before include "Maintained in an unaltered condition" , "Prevented from decaying or spoiling" , "Prevented from decay" , "Kept in an unaltered condition" , "Kept safe from harm" .)