Today, I am presenting you with a spicy relish recipe that can be stored in your pantry for an extended period and serves as an appetizing accompaniment to every meal. This relish, familiar from kebab places, is easier to prepare at home than you might think and is delicious as a result. The best part is, unlike other quickly spoiling dips, this relish can be kept fresh in a jar for 1-2 weeks. This means you can always have this spicy and flavorful relish at your fingertips. Let's take a look at how to prepare this durable and tasty relish.
Ingredients:
2 red bell peppers
2 cloves of garlic
1 medium-sized dry onion
3 deseeded green peppers (use hot peppers if you like it spicy)
3 tomatoes
1 heaping tablespoon of pepper paste (50 grams) (0.1102 lbs)
1 heaping tablespoon of tomato paste (50 grams) (0.1102 lbs)
Half a glass of a mixture of vegetable oil and olive oil (45 grams) (0.0992 lbs)
A quarter of a glass (about 3 tablespoons) of pomegranate molasses (42 grams) (0.0926 lbs)
1.5 teaspoons of sumac (14 grams) (0.0309 lbs)
1.5 teaspoons of isot (Urfa pepper) (7.5 grams) (0.0160 lbs)
1 teaspoon of red chili powder (16 grams) (0.0353 lbs)
1 teaspoon of dried mint (2 grams) (0.0044 lbs)
1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper (6 grams) (0.0132 lbs)
Half a teaspoon of salt (4 grams) (0.0088 lbs)
Juice of 1 freshly squeezed lemon
Coarsely crushed walnuts (quantity can be adjusted to personal preference)
Half a bunch of finely chopped parsley
Preparation:
Clean the seeds from the red bell peppers and add them to the food processor.
Add the garlic and dry onion.
Add the deseeded green peppers (and hot peppers if desired).
Chop the tomatoes into large pieces, add them to the processor, and blend until smooth.
Place the relish mixture on a wire strainer to drain excess water and leave it aside to strain.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the pepper paste, tomato paste, oil mixture, pomegranate molasses, sumac, isot, red chili powder, dried mint, crushed red pepper, and salt. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and mix well.
If the pastes are salty, you may reduce the amount of salt.
Add the strained vegetable mixture to the sauce and mix well.
Add the crushed walnuts and finely chopped parsley and mix again.
Transfer the prepared spicy relish to a serving dish. If desired, you can prepare the relish this way, fill it into jars, and store it tightly sealed in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks.
The relish is ready to serve. You can garnish with walnuts if desired. You will find that if the relish is left until the next day, its flavor enhances even more.
Tip: If you prefer a more traditional texture than processing in a food processor, you can finely chop the vegetables on a cutting board.
Relish is one of the most beloved appetizers in Turkish cuisine and its history dates back to the Ottoman Empire. Traditionally made by combining fresh vegetables and spices, this delicious appetizer is especially popular in the Southeastern Anatolia region. Made from various finely chopped vegetables such as hot peppers, tomatoes, onions, parsley mixed with olive oil, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, and various spices, relish is known for its distinct spiciness and flavor.
The history of relish goes back to the rich spice routes and the meeting point of various cultures in Anatolia. Over time, this cultural exchange enriched Turkish cuisine with a variety of flavors and techniques, with relish emerging as a product of this intermingling, eventually becoming a beloved appetizer throughout Turkey.
Relish is an excellent accompaniment to kebabs and grilled meats. Its spicy and tangy taste complements the flavor of the meat, adding an extra dimension to the meal. It is also commonly served with lahmacun; adding some relish on top enhances the flavor with the heat and spices.
Not limited to meat dishes, relish can also be consumed during breakfast or as a snack. Served alongside cheese plates, olives, and bread, relish offers a light and flavorful breakfast option. It also pairs perfectly with raw meatballs (çiğ köfte).
In conclusion, relish is an indispensable part of Turkish cuisine, finding its place alongside many dishes throughout its history. It is the ideal choice for those seeking the unique combination of heat and spices, offering a rich culinary experience with various meals.
Bon appétit!
7 мар 2024
