Spicy Cucumber Relish Food

CUCUMBER AND ONION RELISH

Steps:

• Combine cucumbers, onions, and salt together in a colander fitted over a bowl; place in the refrigerator for cucumbers and onions to drain, 8 hours to overnight.
• Mix vinegar, sugar, water, flour, turmeric, ginger, and black pepper in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture is thickened, about 5 minutes. Add cucumbers and onions; boil for about 10 more minutes.
• Sterilize jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the relish into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for about 15 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.

CITRUS CUCUMBER RELISH

Steps:

• Cut cucumbers lengthwise into thin slices, then into fine julienne. Halve the onion lengthwise, then slice into fine julienne. Cut the tomatoes in half lengthwise, remove the seeds and julienne. Place all of the ingredients in a bowl, combine well and let stand, covered, 30 minutes or longer. The juice will be salty and spicy, like fresh pickle juice, when ready. Store in the refrigerator up to 48 hours.

CHICKEN SATAY WITH SPICY PEANUT SAUCE AND CUCUMBER RELISH

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients except the chicken. Slice the chicken into long, thin strips, about 3 inches long by 1 inch wide, and add to marinade. Turn chicken to coat, cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
• Meanwhile, prepare the sauce: Bring the coconut milk to a simmer in a small saucepan. Whisk in curry paste until dissolved, about 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in peanut butter, stock and sugar, reduce heat and cook until smooth, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add tamarind juice and salt. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
• Prepare relish: Place cucumber, shallot, and chili slices in a small bowl. Heat the vinegar, sugar and salt in a small saucepan, stirring, until mixture reaches a boil and sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat, cool to room temperature, and then pour over cucumber mixture. Garnish with cilantro leaves and set aside.
• Prepare grill and thread marinated chicken onto soaked bamboo skewers. Place on grill and cook 5 to 7 minutes, or until cooked through, turning once. Serve with peanut sauce and cucumber relish.