Blackberry Salsa

Blackberry Salsa Recipe with Chipotle and Serrano Peppers

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Blackberry Salsa is a unique and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of blackberries with the heat of chipotle and serrano peppers, the richness of chocolate, and the crunch of pecans. This recipe is perfect for those looking to add a twist to their culinary repertoire, offering a blend of flavors that tantalize the taste buds and add a gourmet touch to any meal. Whether served as a condiment, a dip, or a standalone treat, this salsa is sure to impress.

History

The concept of fruit salsa is not new, but the specific combination of blackberries, peppers, and chocolate is a modern innovation. Traditionally, salsas were tomato-based, but as culinary boundaries have expanded, so have the ingredients used in salsas. This recipe draws inspiration from both traditional Mexican cuisine and contemporary fusion cooking, creating a dish that is both familiar and novel.

Ingredients

2 dried chipotle peppers
6 finely diced serrano peppers
1 cup sugar
0.5 cup brown sugar
0.5 tsp salt
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 tbsp ground oregano
0.5 cup water
12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen blackberries
3 tbsp chocolate syrup
2 cup toasted chopped pecans

How to prepare

Place the chipotles in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil.
Cover the saucepan and let the chipotles boil for about 15 minutes, or until they become tender. Then, drain the water.
Set the chipotles aside and let them cool.
Finely dice the rehydrated chipotles and combine them with serranos, sugars, salt, cinnamon, oregano, and water in a medium saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a low boil and cook it until it thickens slightly, stirring frequently.
Add the blackberries to the mixture and cook until they start to break up, but not disintegrate. You want the salsa to have a chunky texture.
Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the chocolate syrup and pecans.
Chill the mixture thoroughly before serving.

Variations

Consider adding or substituting other fruits such as raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile. For a less spicy version, reduce the number of serrano peppers.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To maximize the flavors in this Blackberry Salsa, consider the following tips:

- Use fresh blackberries for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, ensure they are thawed and drained.

- Toasting the pecans before adding them to the salsa will enhance their nutty flavor.

- Adjust the amount of serrano peppers based on your preferred spice level.

- Let the salsa chill for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

This salsa pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, especially pork and chicken. It can also be served as a unique dip with tortilla chips or as a topping for cream cheese on crackers for an appetizer.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is the simmering of the salsa mixture to blend and intensify the flavors. Properly toasting the pecans is also crucial for adding depth to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If chipotle peppers are unavailable, smoked paprika can be used as a substitute to achieve a similar smoky flavor. Maple syrup can replace the brown sugar for a different sweetness.

Make Ahead Tips

This salsa can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop and meld over time.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salsa in a colorful bowl, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint or cilantro for a touch of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream on the side can balance the heat for those who prefer milder flavors.

Pairing Recommendations

A crisp, dry white wine or a light-bodied beer complements the flavors of the salsa well, balancing the sweetness and heat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It is not recommended to freeze the salsa, as it can alter the texture of the blackberries. This salsa is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Blackberry Salsa contains approximately 200 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie option for a flavorful addition to meals.

Carbohydrates

This Blackberry Salsa is relatively high in carbohydrates, primarily due to the sugars used in the recipe. The blackberries also contribute natural sugars. Each serving contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come mainly from the pecans, which are a source of healthy, unsaturated fats. Each serving contains about 9 grams of fat, most of which are beneficial to heart health.

Proteins

This salsa is not a significant source of protein, containing less than 2 grams per serving. It is best paired with a protein-rich dish for a balanced meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Blackberries are rich in vitamins C and K, and also provide a good amount of fiber and manganese. Pecans add to the vitamin and mineral content, particularly with vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc.

Alergens

The primary allergen in this recipe is pecans, which are tree nuts. Those with nut allergies should avoid this dish or substitute the pecans with a non-allergenic ingredient.

Summary

Overall, Blackberry Salsa is a flavorful, moderately high-carbohydrate, and low-protein dish with healthy fats from pecans. It is rich in certain vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to meals in moderation.

Summary

Blackberry Salsa is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings together the sweetness of blackberries, the heat of peppers, the richness of chocolate, and the crunch of pecans. It's a versatile dish that can elevate any meal, offering a unique taste experience that is both nutritious and indulgent. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply add a new recipe to your collection, this salsa is sure to become a favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Blackberry Salsa. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in the countryside. My family had a tradition of hosting a big barbecue every summer, and my mother would always try to come up with new and exciting dishes to serve to our guests.

One year, a family friend brought over a jar of homemade Blackberry Salsa to add to the feast. I had never heard of such a thing before, but I was instantly intrigued by the vibrant purple color and the sweet and tangy aroma that wafted from the jar. I watched with fascination as my mother spooned the salsa over grilled chicken and corn on the cob, creating a burst of flavor that had everyone at the table asking for more.

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this delicious salsa for myself. My mother, always one to encourage my curiosity in the kitchen, asked our friend for the recipe. She explained that she had learned it from a neighbor who had grown up in Mexico, where blackberries were plentiful and salsa was a staple in every household.

With the recipe in hand, I set out to gather the ingredients I would need to make my own batch of Blackberry Salsa. The list was simple enough: fresh blackberries, red onion, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt and sugar. I headed out to our garden to pick the ripest blackberries I could find, savoring their juicy sweetness as I plucked them from the vines.

Back in the kitchen, I chopped the red onion and jalapeno pepper with care, making sure to remove the seeds and membranes to control the heat level of the salsa. I squeezed the juice from a fresh lime and chopped a handful of fragrant cilantro, adding them to the bowl along with the salt and sugar. Finally, I gently folded in the blackberries, being careful not to crush them too much and turn the salsa into a mush.

As I took my first bite of the finished Blackberry Salsa, I was transported back to that summer barbecue where I had first discovered this delightful dish. The sweet and tart flavors of the blackberries combined perfectly with the spicy kick of the jalapeno and the freshness of the lime and cilantro. It was a symphony of tastes and textures that danced on my tongue and left me craving more.

Over the years, I have made Blackberry Salsa countless times, each batch a little different from the last as I experiment with new variations and additions. I have added diced avocado for creaminess, chopped mango for sweetness, and even a splash of tequila for a boozy twist. But no matter how I choose to customize the recipe, the core flavors of the blackberries, red onion, jalapeno, lime, and cilantro always shine through, reminding me of that summer day when I first fell in love with this unique salsa.

I have shared my recipe for Blackberry Salsa with friends and family, passing on the tradition of making this delicious dish to the next generation. And as I watch my own grandchildren eagerly spooning the salsa over grilled meats and veggies at our annual summer barbecue, I can't help but feel a sense of pride in knowing that this simple recipe has become a cherished part of our family's culinary legacy.

So the next time you find yourself with an abundance of ripe blackberries and a craving for something fresh and flavorful, I urge you to give this recipe for Blackberry Salsa a try. Who knows, it may just become a beloved favorite in your own kitchen, just like it has in mine. Bon appétit!