CHOW! A beloved spicy pickle (quick) made in the Southern Caribbean with green mangoes or other tart fruit. Over the years I’ve shared several “chow” recipes with you all. From the traditional mango, to cucumber, orange, apple and the Applewood Smoked Pineapple (still a fav on the website) which was insanely tasty. Like the others, you’re sure to fall in love with this grape version too!
You’ll Need…
2 cloves garlic (crushed)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 lime (juice)
1 orange (juice)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 medium red onion (sliced thin)
2 tablespoon chopped cilantro (chopped)
2 bird pepper (bird’s eye pepper – chopped fine)
1/2 lb each – assorted grapes (cut in half)
Important! Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water after handling such hot peppers.
Wash the grapes and set them aside to drain/air dry. Then in a large bowl, add the salt, black pepper, thinly sliced onion, crushed garlic and bird’s eye pepper. Feel free to add more if you want this more spicy or use a hotter pepper. I did use the seeds of the peppers as well.. in case if you’re wondering.
Now slice the grapes in 1/2 and add them to the bowl. Feel free to use as many as you like (just adjust the salt later on). A variety of colors will make for better presentation and I find that different color grapes got their own specific flavor and juicy profile. Add them to the bowl.
Chop the cilantro (use shado beni Chadon beni or culantro…if you have that instead) and juice the orange and lime. Add everything to the bowl and give it a good mix.
Its ok if you’re a little rough when stirring as it will bruise the grapes and allow some of the juices to escape and add to overall flavor of the chow.
Feel free to adjust the salt to your own liking and enjoy right away. But may I suggest that you place the bowl (covered) in the fridge for an hour so to chill and allow the grapes to marinate in the spicy pickle sauce – you’ll thank me later. Remember, this is spicy, but you have the control in your hands to adjust to your own liking.
Served as a snack, as a side when enjoying grown people beverages or as a salad? If you can, please support. And should you have questions about this recipe or anything food related, be sure to Ask Chris.