| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 87 | 1g | 0.2g | 19g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 3g | 2g | 0.39g |
Growing up in Portland, Maine, I’m no stranger to the bounty of fresh produce and seafood that New England has to offer. But my heart lies with the coastal cuisine of the Atlantic, most particularly its finely perfected seafood dishes. However, creativity has always been my co-pilot in the kitchen which led me to discover an intriguingly delightful dish, the Loquat Salsa.
A Fruity Escape
Not often you’ll find a recipe that perfectly walks the line between sweet and savory. With each ingredient, The Loquat Salsa plays a delicious symphony of flavors – tangy lime juice, warm undertones of garlic, and the irresistible freshness of cilantro, bell peppers and jalapenos. Then comes the star: the loquats. These small, tangy fruits offer a subtle sweetness that beautifully contrasts the robust flavors of this salsa. Apart from being particularly delicious, loquats are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants – a healthful punch of flavor!
Perfect Pairings
As a seafood enthusiast, I’ve found that this Loquat Salsa pairs perfectly with a variety of seafood dishes. A scoop of it on top of grilled halibut or seared scallops can elevate the flavor immensely, creating a meal that sings with freshness and complexity. Similarly, it’s a perfect companion for a more casual fare like fish tacos or shrimp cocktail. However, don’t just limit it to seafood – this salsa is versatile enough that it can accompany any dish that could benefit from a hint of fruity zing, like roasted chicken, or flank steak.
For those who love tropical salsas, this recipe echoes shades of a classic mango salsa, but with loquats subbing in for the mango, giving it an unique twist. Similarly, it is reminscent of a summery pineapple salsa, but with a softer, more nuanced sweetness.
In the end, the Loquat Salsa offers a refreshing – and healthy – divergence from other, more traditional salsas. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to bring a bit of fruity, tangy brightness to their table. You’ll be transported with each bite, savoring the taste of the sweet loquats, fresh veggies and herbs. Trust me, you’d want to make it a part of your regular repertoire!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of diced fresh loquats, seeds removed
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
- 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon of lime juice
- 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Method
Step One
Start by preparing all of your ingredients. Dice the fresh loquats making sure to remove all the seeds, finely chop a medium red onion, seed and mince two jalapeno peppers, finely chop fresh cilantro leaves, juice enough limes to make 2 tablespoons, seed and dice one small red and one small green bell pepper, mince two cloves of garlic, and measure out your salt and black pepper.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the diced loquats, chopped red onion, minced jalapeno peppers, diced red and green bell peppers, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed together.
Step Three
Add the finely chopped cilantro leaves to the loquat mixture along with the lime juice. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step Four
Once all the ingredients are well combined, cover the bowl and let it sit in the refrigerator for an hour. This will allow all the flavors to meld together.
Step Five
After an hour, take the salsa out of the refrigerator and give it one final stir. Your Loquat Salsa is now ready to be served! Enjoy it with your favorite chips or use it to top off your favorite dishes.
