Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa

Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa Recipe - Spicy and Refreshing

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa is a delicious and unique twist on traditional salsa, combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the heat of jalapeño peppers. This salsa is perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or simply as a flavorful topping for grilled meats or tacos.

History

Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa is a modern fusion recipe that combines the flavors of traditional cranberry sauce with the spicy kick of jalapeños. This recipe has gained popularity in recent years as a festive and flavorful addition to holiday menus.

Ingredients

1 package of fresh cranberries (12 oz (340 g))
1 medium navel orange, unpeeled and coarsely chopped
3 tbsp of crystallized ginger
2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and coarsely chopped
0.25 cup of fresh mint leaves
1 cup of sugar
fresh mint sprigs and orange wedges for garnish

How to prepare

Pulse the fresh cranberries in a food processor until they are minced.
Transfer the minced cranberries to a small bowl.
Pulse the orange and the next 4 ingredients in a food processor 3 to 5 times or until the mixture is finely chopped.
Stir the chopped mixture into the cranberries; cover and chill if desired.
Store the mixture in the refrigerator.
Garnish, if desired.

Variations

Add diced avocado for a creamy texture.
Substitute fresh cilantro for the mint leaves for a different flavor profile.
Add a splash of lime juice for extra acidity.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove the seeds from the jalapeño peppers to control the level of heat in the salsa.

- Adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe to suit your taste preferences.

- For a smoother salsa, pulse the ingredients in the food processor until finely chopped.

- Serve the salsa chilled for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa as a topping for grilled chicken or fish, as a dip for tortilla chips, or as a festive side dish for holiday meals.

Cooking Techniques

Pulse the ingredients in a food processor to achieve the desired texture for the salsa.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use dried cranberries instead of fresh cranberries.

- Substitute honey or maple syrup for the sugar.

- Use lemon zest instead of orange zest for a different citrus flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salsa in a festive bowl garnished with fresh orange wedges for a colorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa with grilled pork chops, roasted turkey, or as a topping for tacos.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa contains approximately 70 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This salsa is low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa is a protein-free recipe.

Vitamins and minerals

This salsa is a good source of vitamin C from the fresh cranberries and oranges.

Alergens

This recipe may contain allergens such as ginger and mint. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa is a low-calorie, low-fat, and carbohydrate-rich recipe that is packed with vitamin C.

Summary

Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa is a flavorful and festive recipe that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the heat of jalapeño peppers. This salsa is perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or as a flavorful topping for grilled meats or tacos.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa. It was many years ago, during a trip to visit my friend in New Mexico. We were sitting in her cozy kitchen, sipping on hot tea when she suddenly pulled out a jar of this vibrant red salsa from her pantry. I was intrigued by the combination of sweet cranberries and spicy jalapeños, and my friend could see the curiosity in my eyes.

With a twinkle in her eye, she told me the story of how she came across this unique recipe. It all started with a visit to a local farmers market, where she stumbled upon a stand selling fresh cranberries and fiery jalapeños. Intrigued by the unusual pairing, she struck up a conversation with the vendor who shared his family recipe for Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa. My friend was immediately hooked, and after a few tweaks and adjustments, she had perfected the recipe.

As she passed me a bowl of the salsa to try, I was blown away by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The sweet tanginess of the cranberries perfectly balanced the heat of the jalapeños, creating a delicious salsa that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this salsa myself.

My friend graciously shared the recipe with me, and I eagerly scribbled down the ingredients and instructions in my trusty recipe notebook. When I returned home, I couldn't wait to recreate the salsa in my own kitchen. I gathered all the necessary ingredients – fresh cranberries, ripe jalapeños, onions, garlic, cilantro, and a splash of lime juice – and got to work.

The process of making Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa was surprisingly simple. I started by chopping the cranberries and jalapeños into small pieces, being careful to remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños to control the level of heat. Next, I sautéed the onions and garlic in a hot pan until they were soft and fragrant, then added in the chopped cranberries and jalapeños.

As the mixture simmered on the stove, the vibrant colors of the cranberries and jalapeños melded together, creating a beautiful red salsa that was both sweet and spicy. I added in a handful of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors, then let the salsa cool before taking my first taste.

The moment I dipped a chip into the salsa and took a bite, I was transported back to my friend's kitchen in New Mexico. The familiar burst of tangy cranberries and fiery jalapeños danced on my taste buds, bringing back memories of laughter and friendship. I couldn't believe that I had created something so delicious with just a few simple ingredients.

Since that day, Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa has become a staple in my kitchen. I make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just as a special treat for myself. Each time I prepare the salsa, I think of my friend in New Mexico and the shared bond we have over this unique recipe.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about the first time I made Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa, I am grateful for the connections and memories that food can bring. It's not just about the flavors and textures, but the stories and experiences that we share around the table. And thanks to this special recipe, I have a little piece of New Mexico with me wherever I go.