Brooks Tropicals: Relish, It's Not Just About Pickles

Is a relish considered a relish without a pickle? Mais oui! Naturalmente! Certamente!

Americans are stuck in a sweet pickle relish rut (another pickle of a tongue twister). We think of the glass jar of relish merely as a necessity, stocking it to complement ketchup and mustard, the other condiments sharing the same refrigerator shelf.

Cultures around the world are much more adventuresome when it comes to relish. It's more about chopping up fresh ingredients than making sure the table is set with the condiment trio.

With tropical fruits, relish emerges from its third place showing in condiment history. Although still great on hot dogs and hamburgers, these relishes are also superb topping a steak hot off the grill or a chicken breast straight out of the oven.

These are relishes made to be relished.

SlimCado-Cucumber Relish

Two light-tasting heavyweights join together, literally melding tastes. Serve over meat hot off the grill and the SlimCado avocado will melt ever-so-slightly, building an impeccable bond between relish and entrée.

Ingredients
1 cup peeled and diced cucumber, small pieces
1/4 cup diced SlimCado avocados, small pieces
3 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar
3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 tbsp chopped red onion, small pieces

Instructions
Combine all ingredients; mix well.
Marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Bring to room temperature for the ultimate in taste when serving over meat hot off the grill.

Makes 1 1/2 cups
Prep time: 10 minutes

Starfruit and Ginger Relish

Starfruit's taste is so sweet, light and refreshing that you wouldn't expect it to be capable of a TKO in a relish. A food processor makes this knockout recipe easy to make. Serve cold, if you must. But heat this relish and your diners will be seeing stars.

Ingredients
1 cup starfruit, diced
1/4 cup red onion
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 1/2 tsp freshly grated ginger
2 tbsp lime juice

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.
Marinate in the refrigerator 2 hours.

Makes 1 1/4 cups
Prep time: 10 minutes

Caribbean Red Papaya and Olive Relish

Fennel's slightly licorice taste blends nicely with the Caribbean Red papaya while the Kalamata olives give the relish a smoky Mediterranean kick.

Ingredients
1 cup Caribbean Red papaya, diced
1/2 cup chopped fennel bulb
1/4 cup plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
3 tbsp finely diced red onion
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, cut in strips
1 tbsp minced parsley
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp lime juice
1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Combine papaya, fennel, tomatoes, onion, olives and parsley.
In separate small bowl combine oil, lime juice and pepper and whisk well. Add to papaya mixture, tossing gently.
Marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

Makes 2 cups
Prep time: 10 minutes