The Vibrant Caribbean Pot Cookbook
Soup Season Cookbook
Get My Latest Cookbooks
On Sale Now

One Kitchen, Many Cultures

Gluten Free Side Dishes

Incredible Apple Chow.

Most recently I shared the Lychee Chow recipe, which became an instant hit with fans and those only now stumbling onto my little space on the internet. Like all of the other “Chow” recipes I’ve shared, they all have their own uniqueness based on the main ingredient used. However I came to realize over the years that apple chow is indeed my favourite.

2 lemons (juice)
1 lime (juice)
4-6 cloves garlic (crushed)
2-3 Habanero Peppers (sliced thin – adjust)
4 Chadon Beni leaves (sliced thinly)
7-8 small apples (crisp)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 – 3/4 cup water

Notes! Please follow along with the video below as much more is discussed there. Including how many hot peppers to use (and types) and why peeling the apples gives a better result. Should you not be able to source the Chadon Beni (culantro), you may use 2 tablespoons of finely chopped Cilantro (coriander). If making this dish gluten free, please go through the full list of ingredients to ensure that they meet your specific gluten free dietary requirements.

In a large bowl, squeeze in the lemon and lime, then add the garlic and Scotch Bonnet peppers. Please wear gloves when handling such hot peppers and remember to wash your hands with soap and water immediately after.

I explained in the video that starting this way means that when you add the apple pieces, they will not discolor. Add the chopped Chadon Beni (culantro) at this point as well.

As I add the peeled and chopped apple pieces (be sure to use a variety of apples which are crisp as soft apples will take on a weird texture) I stir to coat with the juices in the bowl.

Once you’re done adding all of the apple pieces, sprinkle on the salt and black pepper.

At this point you’ll pour the water directly over the areas where the salt was added. This will assist in dissolving the salt.

Stir well, then into the fridge to marinate (or soak as we say) for 30 minutes.

It will keep in the fridge for a few days, but rest assured it will be gone before. Save the liquid and add a few more apples if you want. This is one of my fav snacks, especially during the hot days of summer when I have a cool drink in hand sitting out back in the garden. IMPORTANT! This will be very spicy.

Gluten Free Side Dishes

Peach Chow.

Over the years I’ve shared many traditional (mango, cucumber, pineapple and Pommecythere), along with nontraditional type Chow recipes with you. Including ones made with Cherries, Grapes, and Strawberries. Surprisingly I’ve never shared my Peach Chow with you. Until today!

You’ll Need…

5 Peaches (firm)
3-5 cloves garlic
3 leaves Shado Beni (aka chando Beni or culantro)
1 scotch bonnet pepper
1 fatali pepper
2 lemons (juice)
1 lime (juice)
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 small red onion (sliced thin)
* water

Note! Please watch the video below to see how easy it was to cut the peaches into wedges and why using firm peaches which are air-dried first, gives you best results. The type of hot pepper you use is up to you. Chow is supposed to be spicy, but you’re free to tailor this to your own liking and heat tolerance. Reminder – wash you hands with soap and water after handling hot peppers.

Give the peaches a rinse then remove the seeds (stone, pit) and cut into segments. At this point I like for the pieces to air dry for about 30 minutes.

Try you best to get firm peaches as the more ripe (softer ones) will have the tendency to go to mush easily.

Add the salt, garlic and hot pepper you decide on using to your mortar and crush until smooth. To control the heat a bit you may adjust the amount of pepper you use and should you want… remove and discard the seeds and white membrane surrounding the seeds. Be mindful that the smashing action may cause it to splatter and get to your eyes.

I like squeezing the citrus juices directly into this mixture so I can somewhat rinse the mortar out with it and collect all that spicy garlic goodness.

In a large bowl with the peach wedges, add the thinly sliced red onion and top with the chopped Shado beni. Then pour the spicy juice directly over it all.

Since we air-dried the peaches for a bit, you’ll find that the chow base (juices) will soak in and get deeper into the peach and not just sit on the surface. Give it a good mix and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes in the fridge before you jump in to enjoy. Yea, taste for salt and adjust.

Providing you used firm peaches, it will keep in the fridge for about 1 week. Feel free to add a bit of water should you want more of the sauce. Yes, as a lil fella on the islands we enjoyed that juice as much as the actual fruit we used.

Should you not be able to source the shado beni, cilantro (aka coriander) is an excellent replacement.