Condiments are many times the ingredient that can make or break a sandwich. I'm not talking about ketsup, mustard, mayo or pickle relish here. Although I love these items very much. I'm talking about condiments with ingredients from all over the globe that can make a party happen in your mouth. Here are just a few.
Raita: An Indian condiment with a yogurt base, seasoned with coriander (cilantro), mint and other spices, then used as a sauce, dip, or in the case of a sandwich, a spread. Delicious!
Harissa: A North African paste made of red hot pepper and garlic often smoked or dried.
Aioli: A zesty garlic mayonnaise used as a sauce, most often for seafood and shellfish, although it's also great on greens and of course on a sandwich.
Salsa: A spicy sauce of chopped, usually uncooked vegetables or fruit, especially tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers, used as a condiment or dip.
Chutney: Similar in consistency to jelly, salsa or relish, used as a sweet and sour condiment. Usually made fresh, chutney contains fruit and sugar to give it a sweet taste, and almost all chutney contains vinegar and onions to give it a corresponding sour flavor.
Marmalades/Preserves/Jams: I think we all know what these are, but some people don't know that they're not always made exclusively with fruit, i.e., try tomato preserves on a sandwich. Outstanding! Jam will have the flesh of the fruit or veggie used. You love this.
Onion-Lime Relish: Very tangy and goes great with one of our more exotic burger recipes. Also goes well with any light fish dish. Recipes are easy to find, just google Onion Lime Relish.
Chili-Soy Vinaigrette: Whisk together the soy, vinegar, garlic, jalapenos and ginger. Fabulous on a taco or just about any wet sandwich.
I freaking LOVE harissa...here is an easy recipe for it:
ReplyDeleteDe-stem and de-seed 1/2c of dried hot red chili peppers.Soak the peppers until they are as soft (about 45 min).
In a bowl mix together 7 minced cloves of garlic, 1tsp coriander, 1tsp cumin, and 1/4tsp salt. Dice up your soft peppers and mix them in. You can use a mortar and pestle but I just used the backside of a ladle. Add about a tablespoon of water and you got yourself some garlic fire paste. This stuff is so hot it will take the paint off your car so be forewarned.
Mmmmm... my favorite is aioli. I could have it every day. I've never had harissa. Sounds spicy and yummy. My husband would love it too.
ReplyDeleteA staple in Moroccan cuisine but hard to find here. Better to make your own.
ReplyDelete