Tomato And Pepper Relish With Moroccan Lemons
Description
This vibrant relish captures the essence of North African cuisine with its bright, tangy flavors. Charred green bell peppers provide a smoky depth that contrasts beautifully with the acidity of preserved lemons and fresh tomatoes. The addition of warm cumin, paprika, and garlic creates a complex flavor profile that is both aromatic and satisfying. It serves as an excellent condiment for grilled meats, fish, or as a topping for crostini. The texture is chunky and fresh, offering a delightful crunch. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a quick weeknight side, this relish comes together easily with minimal cooking. Its versatility makes it a staple in any kitchen, adding a burst of color and taste to simple dishes.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat the broiler and place the green bell peppers on a 9-10-inch wide baking pan.
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Broil the peppers about 4 inches from the heat source, turning occasionally, until the skins are charred and blistered on all sides, approximately 15-20 minutes.
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Remove the peppers from the oven and allow them to cool until they can be handled.
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Peel off the charred skin, then remove the stems and seeds from the peppers.
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Coarsely chop the peeled peppers.
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Drain the canned tomatoes, reserving the juice for another use if desired.
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Coarsely chop the drained tomatoes.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped peppers, chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, paprika, and black pepper.
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Rinse and chop the preserved lemons, discarding the seeds, and mix them into the relish to taste.
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Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to one day.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 96.7kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7.8g12%
- Saturated Fat 1.1g6%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 6.6mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 6.7g3%
- Dietary Fiber 2.2g9%
- Sugars 4.3g
- Protein 1.3g3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Preserved lemons add a unique salty, tangy flavor. If you cannot find them, you can substitute with the zest and juice of fresh lemons, though the flavor profile will be less complex.
For a smoother texture, you can pulse the mixture in a food processor instead of chopping by hand.
This relish tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Use the reserved tomato juice as a base for soups or stews to reduce waste.