| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 103 | 4g | 0.5g | 18g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 12g | 3g | 2g | 0.35g |
One of the culinary delights that has made my kitchen adventures an absolute joy lately is the West Indian Gherkin Salsa. As someone with a fondness for rich, diverse flavors, this vibrant dish enchants my palate with the perfect blend of sweetness, tanginess, and spice. But my love for this exciting combinations doesn’t end at its flavors alone. Let me take you on a journey to explain why.
Embracing my Roots in a Whole New Way
Being of Japanese heritage and being raised in Seattle has provided me a unique culinary perspective – a wonderful meeting point of the East and the West. With the West Indian Gherkin Salsa, I found a way to explore new flavors beyond the sushi rolls and seafood dishes I typically work with. For instance, the mango in this salsa is reminiscent of the fruity nuances we often find in Pacific Northwest cuisine, while the jalapeno and cilantro give that hints of the East that I hold dear to my heart.
The Health Benefits: A Vibrant Ensemble of Nutrition
But there’s more to the West Indian Gherkin Salsa than just taste and personal sentiment – it’s a nutritious powerhouse. This salsa is packed with vitamins and minerals, courtesy of the West Indian gherkins and bell peppers. Bell peppers, for instance, are high in vitamin C and various antioxidants, which play crucial roles in maintaining a healthy immune system.
Moreover, the mangoes add a touch of sweetness and a sizable amount of dietary fiber, aiding digestion. The jalapenos and cilantro, on the other hand, offer a whole different set of benefits. Capsaicin, found in jalapenos, can enhance metabolism and potentially aid with weight loss, while cilantro is known for its antioxidant properties and potential aid in lowering blood sugar levels.
Pairings and Comparisons
The West Indian Gherkin Salsa can hold its own as a delightful snack or appetizer, but its full potential shines through when it is paired with grilled seafood or poultry dishes – an absolute joy to the tastebuds! If you’ve ever tried a tropical salsa or an Asian-inspired salad with a hint of heat, this dish will definitely ring some familiar bells. But it’s the uniquely refreshing crunch of West Indian gherkins that takes this salsa to a league of its own.
In conclusion, the West Indian Gherkin Salsa is not just a recipe for me – it’s a celebration of my culinary heritage, an infusion of delightful flavors, and an avenue for optimal health. I sincerely hope you would enjoy it as much as I do!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of diced West Indian Gherkins
- 1 cup of diced ripe mango
- 1 cup of diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup of finely chopped red onion
- 1/3 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons of finely chopped jalapeno pepper
- 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
Method
Step One
Prepare your ingredients. Make sure your West Indian Gherkins, mango, and red bell pepper are well cleaned and diced into small even cubes of approximately the same size. Finely chop the red onion, fresh cilantro, and jalapeno pepper, and set aside.
Step Two
Prepare your dressing. In a small bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lime juice, extra-virgin olive oil, fine sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are well combined and the salt is completely dissolved.
Step Three
In a large bowl, combine the diced West Indian Gherkins, mango, red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and jalapeno pepper. Toss well to mix all ingredients together.
Step Four
Add the chopped fresh cilantro to the large bowl with the diced ingredients. Toss again to mix the cilantro in with the other ingredients.
Step Five
Pour the dressing prepared in step two over the ingredients in the large bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.
Step Six
Refrigerate the salsa for at least an hour before serving to allow all the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled with your choice of accompaniment.
