Fiery Fruit and Peanut Salsa

Fiery Fruit and Peanut Salsa Recipe - Venezuelan Delight

Region / culture: Venezuela | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Fiery Fruit and Peanut Salsa is a delicious and unique salsa recipe that combines the sweetness of honeydew and cantaloupe with the heat of jalapeño peppers and the crunch of peanuts. This salsa is perfect for serving as a refreshing appetizer or topping for grilled meats.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Thai fruit salads, which often combine sweet and spicy flavors to create a harmonious and flavorful dish. The addition of peanuts adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Ingredients

Recipe default

0.25 cup of coarsely chopped dry roasted peanuts
3 minced cloves of garlic
1 tbsp of brown sugar
0.25 cup of Thai fish sauce
2.5 tsp of grated lime zest
0.25 cup of fresh lime juice
1 minced jalapeño pepper (seeded and deveined)
0.5 cup of minced fresh cilantro
1.5 cup of honeydew melon (peeled, seeded and cut into 0.25 inch dice)
1.5 cup of cantaloupe (peeled, seeded and cut into 0.25 inch dice)
0.5 cup of coarsely chopped italian parsley

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Place the peanuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until they turn golden brown, which usually takes about 10 minutes.
Set the toasted peanuts aside to cool.
In a large glass or ceramic bowl, combine the garlic, brown sugar, fish sauce, lime zest, lime juice, jalapeño, and cilantro.
Add the peanuts, honeydew, cantaloupe, and parsley to the mixture.

Variations

Substitute mango or pineapple for the honeydew and cantaloupe.
Add diced avocado for a creamy texture.
Use cashews or almonds instead of peanuts for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to toast the peanuts before adding them to the salsa to enhance their flavor.

- Adjust the amount of jalapeño pepper to suit your spice preference.

- For a milder salsa, remove the seeds and veins from the jalapeño pepper before mincing.

- Serve the salsa chilled for a refreshing and crisp texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Fiery Fruit and Peanut Salsa with grilled chicken or fish, or as a topping for tacos or salads. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing snack.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the peanuts adds depth of flavor to the salsa.

- Mincing the garlic and jalapeño peppers finely ensures even distribution of flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use soy sauce as a substitute for fish sauce.

- Replace brown sugar with honey or agave nectar for a healthier alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

The salsa can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Stir well before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Fiery Fruit and Peanut Salsa in a hollowed-out pineapple or melon for a festive and eye-catching presentation. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or lime wedges.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this salsa with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling, to complement the sweet and spicy flavors. It also pairs well with a light lager or wheat beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

150

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 18g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 13g

Fats

- Total Fat: 6g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 4g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 45% DV

- Vitamin A: 20% DV

- Iron: 8% DV

Alergens

Peanuts

Summary

This Fiery Fruit and Peanut Salsa is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is high in vitamins and minerals, while also providing a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Fiery Fruit and Peanut Salsa is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors in a refreshing and satisfying way. Enjoy this salsa as a versatile topping or snack that is sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Fiery Fruit and Peanut Salsa. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Mexico. My grandmother, whom we all called Abuela Maria, was the heart and soul of our family. She was a wonderful cook and always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with us.

One hot summer day, Abuela Maria decided to take me with her to visit her friend Senora Rodriguez, who lived on the outskirts of the village. Senora Rodriguez was known for her incredible culinary skills, and Abuela Maria was eager to learn some new recipes from her. As we walked through the dusty streets, I could feel the excitement building inside me. I loved spending time with my grandmother in the kitchen, watching her work her magic with pots and pans.

When we arrived at Senora Rodriguez's house, the smell of spices and herbs filled the air. The kitchen was a bustling hive of activity, with pots bubbling on the stove and vegetables being chopped with precision. Senora Rodriguez welcomed us with a warm smile and a big hug, before ushering us over to the table where she had laid out an array of ingredients.

As Abuela Maria and Senora Rodriguez chatted and caught up on old times, I watched in awe as they worked together to create the most delicious dishes I had ever seen. It was like a symphony of flavors and colors coming together in perfect harmony. And then, Senora Rodriguez reached for a large bowl and started mixing together diced mangoes, pineapples, jalapenos, peanuts, and a variety of spices.

I watched with wide eyes as she explained the recipe to Abuela Maria, who nodded in approval and started to help her chop the remaining ingredients. The scent of the salsa filled the room, making my mouth water in anticipation. Finally, after all the ingredients had been mixed together and allowed to marinate for a few hours, Senora Rodriguez scooped up a spoonful of the salsa and offered it to me.

The first bite was a revelation. The sweetness of the fruit mixed perfectly with the heat of the jalapenos, creating a flavor explosion in my mouth. The crunch of the peanuts added a wonderful texture to the dish, making it truly unforgettable. I couldn't believe how something so simple could be so delicious.

From that day on, Fiery Fruit and Peanut Salsa became a staple in our household. Abuela Maria made it for every special occasion, from birthdays to holidays to family gatherings. It was always a hit with everyone who tried it, and I loved watching their faces light up with joy as they took their first bite.

As the years went by, I learned to make the salsa myself, using the recipe that Abuela Maria had passed down to me. I made it for my own children, who loved it just as much as I did. And now, whenever I make Fiery Fruit and Peanut Salsa, I can't help but think back to that hot summer day in Senora Rodriguez's kitchen, where I first discovered the magic of this incredible dish.

The recipe may have come from Senora Rodriguez, but the love and passion that I put into making it come from my dear Abuela Maria. She taught me everything I know about cooking, and I will always be grateful for the memories we shared in the kitchen. So whenever I make Fiery Fruit and Peanut Salsa, I feel her presence beside me, guiding my hands and filling my heart with warmth. And for that, I will always be thankful.