Hot Caribbean Salsa
Hot Caribbean Salsa Recipe - Vegetarian Recipe from Caribbean
Introduction
Hot Caribbean Salsa is a spicy and flavorful condiment that adds a kick to any dish. Made with scotch bonnet peppers, onions, cloves, green papaya, turmeric, salt, and vinegar, this salsa is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
History
Caribbean salsa has its roots in the vibrant and diverse culinary traditions of the Caribbean islands. The use of scotch bonnet peppers, known for their intense heat and fruity flavor, is a staple in Caribbean cuisine. This salsa is a popular accompaniment to many dishes, adding a fiery kick and depth of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 kg fresh hot chile peppers (preferably a mix of red, green, and yellow, mostly yellow scotch bonnets)
- 0.5 cup finely chopped onions
- 2 tsp finely chopped garlic (approximately 2 – 3 cloves or more to taste)
- 3 tbsp fresh finely chopped unripe pawpaw (green papaya)
- 0.5 tsp turmeric
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 cup malt vinegar
How to prepare
- Peel and finely chop all vegetables.
- Stem and seed peppers. It is recommended to wear plastic gloves as the oil from the peppers can cause skin blisters.
- Combine all ingredients in a small/medium pot.
- Stir constantly and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook for 1 minute, or until the onion becomes transparent and the peppers are soft and limp.
- Add more vinegar if necessary.
- Pour the contents into a blender. A hand-held blender can also be used.
- Blend at high speed until the mixture is pulverized. Some prefer a pureed consistency.
- Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature.
- Pour the mixture into a cleaned, boiled, and sterilized jar only.
Variations
- Add mango or pineapple for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Substitute green papaya with green mango for a different flavor profile.
- Roast the peppers before blending for a smoky flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Wear gloves when handling scotch bonnet peppers to avoid skin irritation.
- Adjust the amount of cloves and turmeric to suit your taste preferences.
- Make sure to sterilize the jar before pouring in the salsa to ensure it stays fresh for longer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hot Caribbean salsa with grilled meats, seafood, tacos, or as a dip for tortilla chips.
Cooking Techniques
Blending the salsa to a smooth consistency ensures a uniform texture and flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
If scotch bonnet peppers are not available, you can use habanero peppers as a substitute.
Make Ahead Tips
This salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the hot Caribbean salsa in a decorative jar or bowl for a colorful and appetizing presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this salsa with grilled jerk chicken, shrimp skewers, or black bean tacos for a delicious Caribbean-inspired meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store the salsa in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a saucepan before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 20 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 5g per serving
Fats
Fats: 0g per serving
Proteins
Proteins: 1g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This salsa is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and potassium.
Alergens
This recipe is gluten-free and vegan.
Summary
This hot Caribbean salsa is low in calories and fats, making it a healthy condiment choice.
Summary
Hot Caribbean Salsa is a spicy and flavorful condiment that adds a tropical twist to any dish. With its bold flavors and fiery heat, this salsa is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
How did I get this recipe?
I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Hot Caribbean Salsa. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria's house for a gathering. Maria had prepared a spread of delicious Caribbean dishes, but it was the salsa that caught my eye. The vibrant colors and bold flavors of the salsa immediately drew me in, and I knew I had to learn how to make it.
Maria graciously shared her recipe with me, explaining that she had learned to make it from her grandmother, who had roots in the Caribbean. She told me that the key to the salsa's flavor was the combination of fresh ingredients – ripe tomatoes, fiery jalapenos, tangy lime juice, and aromatic cilantro. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from someone who had inherited such a rich culinary tradition.
As Maria guided me through the process of making the salsa, I was struck by the care and attention to detail that went into each step. She showed me how to dice the tomatoes into small, uniform pieces, ensuring that each bite would be bursting with flavor. She taught me to finely chop the jalapenos, being careful to remove the seeds and membranes to control the heat level. And she shared her secret for adding a touch of sweetness to the salsa – a sprinkle of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
But it was the final ingredient that truly set this Hot Caribbean Salsa apart – Scotch bonnet peppers. Maria warned me that these tiny, fiery peppers packed a serious punch, and that I should handle them with care. She showed me how to wear gloves while slicing and seeding the peppers, to avoid any accidental contact with my skin. The aroma that wafted up from the cutting board was intense and intoxicating, promising a salsa that would be not just hot, but complex and full of depth.
As the salsa came together, I marveled at the vibrant colors and textures that mingled in the bowl. The deep red of the tomatoes, the bright green of the cilantro, the fiery orange of the Scotch bonnet peppers – it was a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Maria encouraged me to taste the salsa as I went, adjusting the seasoning to suit my own preferences. I found myself adding a pinch more salt here, a squeeze more lime juice there, until the flavors sang in perfect harmony.
When the salsa was finally ready, Maria and I sat down to enjoy it together, scooping it up with crisp tortilla chips. The heat of the Scotch bonnet peppers hit me first, followed by the tangy sweetness of the tomatoes and the fresh, zesty kick of the cilantro. The flavors danced on my tongue, transporting me to a tropical paradise with each bite.
From that moment on, Hot Caribbean Salsa became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and impromptu dinners with friends. Each time, I would think back to that summer day at Maria's house, where I had first learned the secrets of this tantalizing recipe. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the culinary traditions that had been passed down through generations, and a renewed appreciation for the power of food to bring people together.
And so, as I sit here now, penning this story for my grandchildren to read, I hope that they too will feel inspired to learn the recipes that have shaped my life. Whether it's Hot Caribbean Salsa or another beloved dish, I know that the act of cooking and sharing food with loved ones is a tradition worth preserving. And who knows – perhaps one day, my grandchildren will be the ones passing down these recipes to the next generation, carrying on a legacy of flavor, love, and connection.
Categories
| Caribbean Recipes | Caribbean Vegetarian | Chile Pepper Recipes | Garlic Recipes | Green Papaya Recipes | Malt Vinegar Recipes | Onion Recipes | Salsa Recipes | Scotch Bonnet Recipes |