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This strawberry-chili relish perfectly combines the fruity sweetness of ripe strawberries with the piquant heat of chili pepper, for a condiment that's both surprising and deliciously balanced. Perfect for adding depth to grilled meats, fish, or even simple cream cheese, it can be prepared in minutes and easily stored in the refrigerator. Easy to customize according to your heat tolerance and flavor preferences, this recipe will revitalize your dishes and delight food lovers of all ages.
Ingredients (for about 350g of relish)
250g ripe strawberries, hulled and cut into small pieces
1 small fresh red chili pepper (bird's eye chili or jalapeño), seeded and finely chopped
½ medium red onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, pressed
30g sugar (brown or golden)
4 tbsp cider vinegar (or white wine)
1 tbsp 1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil
See also Spicy Crispy Chicken with Spaghetti Alfredo
Preparation
Macerate the strawberries
In a bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let macerate for 10 minutes: the sugar will melt and the strawberries will release a little juice.
Flavorful cooking
In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the red onion for 2–3 minutes until translucent, then add the garlic and chili pepper. Continue stirring for 1 minute, making sure the garlic doesn't burn.
Adding the strawberries
Pour the macerated strawberries (with their juice) into the saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly.
Seasoning and Texture
Taste, add a little salt, and adjust the sugar or chili powder to taste. If you prefer a smoother texture, roughly crush a few strawberry pieces with the back of a spoon at the end of cooking.
Cooling
Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to a clean glass jar. Let cool completely, then seal and refrigerate.
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