20 minutes
A vibrant and tangy relish featuring shallots, chile, coriander, and lime juice. Perfect as a topping for grilled meats, tacos, or as a zippy side.
1. Soak Shallots
First, soak the thinly sliced shallots in water for 10 minutes to mellow their sharpness, then drain them thoroughly.
2. Combine Ingredients
In a small condiment bowl, combine the soaked shallot slices, the thinly sliced chile, and the minced coriander if you’re using it. This mixture should already start to look vibrant and colorful.
3. Add Lime Juice
Next, squeeze about 1.5 tablespoons of lime juice over the mixture. Toss everything together gently to ensure the lime juice evenly coats the shallots and chiles, making them glisten. The lime juice will balance the pungency of the shallots and chiles, enhancing their freshness.
4. Add Salt and Adjust Flavor
After that, add a scant 0.25 teaspoon of salt to the bowl. Mix well so that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the relish. Taste your creation and adjust with additional lime juice and/or salt if needed, ensuring the flavors are bright and well-balanced.
Swap lime for other citrus fruits like lemon, orange, or grapefruit, and experiment with different herbs like mint, dill, or basil. This can be a refreshing accompaniment to fish and seafood.
Incorporate diced mango, pineapple, or peach for a sweet contrast, and perhaps a bit of ginger for zing. This tropical twist pairs wonderfully with pork or as a topping for a summery salad.
Mix in finely chopped cucumber, a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce, a bit of sesame oil, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. This relish can be a great addition to rice dishes or as a topping for an Asian-style fish fillet.
Add minced jalapeños, serranos, or red pepper flakes to the core recipe for a spicy kick. This version goes well with grilled meats, tacos, or as a condiment for sandwiches.
Stir in some minced ginger, a pinch of ground cumin, chopped mint, and a splash of lemon juice. This variant can be a great condiment for curries or as a zesty topping for naan bread.
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