| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 10g | 1.5g | 10g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 2g | 0.35g |
One of my favorite dishes to prepare and enjoy is the Stir-Fried West Indian Gherkins with Garlic and Chili. With a unique fusion of vibrancy and comfort, this dish reflects my personal culinary journey, born and raised in the sunny valleys of California, and my approach to food that combines West Coast health-consciousness with classic American comfort. Oh, and let’s not forget about the irresistible appeal of the health benefits that come along with it.
Dish Inspiration and Health Benefits
The primary ingredient into this recipe, the West Indian Gherkins, known as cottled cucumbers bring a delicate sweetness and a unique texture to the dish. It’s chock full of essential vitamins, antioxidants, and holds a high water content making it a hydrating ingredient and a substantial addition to any dish. The combination with garlic enhances not only its flavor but also offers numerous health benefits like boosting heart health and immunity.
With the right amount of heat from the Red chilies, this recipe can potentially spice up your everyday meal rotation. Chili peppers are known to be rich in vitamin C, and capsaicin, which are thought to provide various health benefits like reducing inflammation and help in digestion.
Culinary Pairings and Versatility
This By itself, Stir-Fried West Indian Gherkins with Garlic and Chili is a hearty meal, but it doesn’t stop there. Its versatility allows it to wonderfully withstand a variety of pairings. It serves as an exotic side dish for a beautifully roasted, garlic crusted chicken or can be a flavorsome topping to a serving of steaming, nutrient-rich quinoa.
Furthermore, the West Indian Gherkins gives it a spin from the traditional vegetable stir-fries known, and gives it an uplifting, burst of freshness. So every bite you take is not just gratification to your palate, but also a nourishing treat to your body.
In life, like in cooking, we need to bring in freshness, variety, and a touch of healthy. So, go ahead, give this tempting Stir-Fried West Indian Gherkins with Garlic and Chili a try. Who knows? It might just become a new favorite.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs West Indian Gherkins
- 4 cloves of Garlic, finely chopped
- 2 Red chilies, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup of thinly sliced Red onion
- 1 tablespoon of Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of Lime juice
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground Black pepper
Method
Step One
Wash the West Indian gherkins thoroughly. Once washed, slice them into halves or quarters based on their size. Set them aside.
Step Two
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped garlic and red chilies to the pan. Sauté these until they become fragrant and lightly browned, this usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step Three
Add the sliced West Indian gherkins to the pan. Stir all the ingredients together ensuring that the gherkins are well coated with the garlic and chili mix.
Step Four
Continue stirring the ingredients on a reduced heat for about 10 minutes, until the gherkins become tender. At this point, you can add salt according to your preference.
Step Five
Add the thinly sliced red onion to the pan. Mix well and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent.
Step Six
Pour the soy sauce and lime juice into the pan. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.
Step Seven
Finally, sprinkle the freshly ground black pepper and give the mixture one last stir. You can taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Your Stir-Fried West Indian Gherkins with Garlic and Chili is now ready to serve hot.
