Over the years I’ve shared several Chow (spicy pickled fruit) recipes with you and yes we have done the Ultimate Pineapple Chow and the Applewood Smoked Pineapple Chow (which was copied wholesale by a major food publication without a hint of credit), we’ve never explored how one ingredient can have such a drastic influence on things.
You’ll Need…
1 large pineapple (sliced with core)
3 tablespoon chopped shado beni (culantro)
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 lemons (juice)
2 limes (juice)
2 clementines (juice)
8-12 Sweet/Salted Prunes (dry preserved)
2 scotch bonnet pepper (sliced)
8 cloves garlic (fine minced or crushed)
1/2 medium red onion (sliced thin)
1 cup water
Notes! Please follow along with the video below as much more about the recipe is discussed there. This is meant to be SPICY, so use as many HOT peppers as you can handle. I used Scotch Bonnets, but Scorpions, Habanero, Fatali.. basically any hot pepper you like or can source can be used. That said, tailor the heat to your own tolerance. While I posted this in the Gluten Free Recipe section, please go through the full list of ingredients to ensure they meet your specific gluten free dietary requirements. Wear GLOVES!
In the video I explained that in most instances when I use pineapple, I never include the core and why you should in this recipe. Peel and wash the pineapple, then cut into wedges, then into slices about 1/2 cm thick.
Add the pineapple slices to a large bowl, followed by the salt, garlic, Scotch Bonnet, thinly sliced red onion (yes, you want to add onion.. trust me), chopped Shado Beni (Chadon Beni or Culantro and should you not be able to source this, add cilantro). lemon and lime juice.
Add all of the other ingredients and get ready to mix.
The Salted Prunes will not only be salty, but there will also be a slight sweetness from it.
The key now is to allow it to marinate for about 30 minutes to one hour in the fridge. As explained in the video, were we in the Caribbean, we’d place the bowl or whatever container you have it in, in the direct sun for 20 minutes or so. The reason I recommend allowing it to marinate, is to allow the pineapple to suck in the juices and for the salted prunes (which are dry) to rehydrate and release its flavors.
Do not adjust the salt until it’s done marinating. If the pineapple you use was tart, you may need to add a bit more salt. This is enjoyed as a snack, especially with adult beverages. This will last over a week in the fridge.
