Get ready to transform your ordinary meals into a Caribbean culinary adventure with this electrifying Mango Scotch Bonnet Pepper Salsa! Imagine a vibrant dance of sweet, juicy mangoes perfectly balanced with the fiery kick of scotch bonnet peppers - a combination that will transport your senses to a sun-drenched tropical paradise. This isn't just a salsa; it's a flavor experience that will make your guests wonder how you became such a culinary genius in just 20 minutes!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Caribbean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 ripe mangoes, diced
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, minced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash all fresh produce thoroughly under cool running water, ensuring mangoes, lime, cilantro, and red onion are clean.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the mangoes lengthwise around the pit. Score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern without piercing the skin, then scoop out the diced mango chunks into a medium mixing bowl.
- Put on food-safe gloves before handling the scotch bonnet pepper to protect your skin from intense heat. Carefully remove the stem and seeds, then finely mince the pepper into tiny pieces.
- Finely dice the red onion into uniform small pieces, ensuring consistent size for balanced flavor distribution.
- Chop fresh cilantro leaves, discarding the thick stems, to create a vibrant green garnish.
- Add minced scotch bonnet pepper, chopped red onion, and cilantro to the diced mango in the mixing bowl.
- Cut the lime in half and squeeze fresh juice directly over the salsa ingredients, catching any seeds with a small strainer.
- Sprinkle salt to taste, starting with a small amount and adjusting according to preference.
- Gently mix all ingredients using a silicone spatula or spoon, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more lime juice or salt as desired.
- Serve chilled as a vibrant accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, or as a fresh dipping salsa with tortilla chips.
Tips
- Safety First: Always wear food-safe gloves when handling scotch bonnet peppers to protect your skin from their intense heat.
- Ripeness Matters: Choose mangoes that are ripe but still firm - they should give slightly when gently pressed but not be mushy.
- Flavor Balancing: Start with a small amount of minced scotch bonnet pepper and adjust to your heat tolerance. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
- Chill for Maximum Flavor: Allowing the salsa to rest in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes helps the flavors meld together and intensify.
- Versatility is Key: This salsa isn't just a condiment - it's a game-changer for grilled meats, fish, tacos, and even as a unique dip for tortilla chips.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh lime juice and freshly chopped herbs for the most vibrant and bright flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
