i can spend days preparing for a party, rolling meatballs the size of fat walnuts, eking stock out of a summer's worth of frozen lobster shells, peeling bell pepper for the silkiest ratatouille. when all is said and done, the dish that once inspired a guest to lick the bottom of the bowl (okay, he may have had a slightly unreasonable amount of maker's on the rocks, but still) is the one that took five minutes to put together. peppadew and marcona almond relish crowning a generous sliver of aged manchego cheese is culinary crack. peppadews are slightly sweet, slightly spicy pickled peppers with origins in south africa. it's worth the trouble of finding a good jar of them; "peppadew" is an excellent brand, and available at most cheese shops, specialty stores, and online. if there is any relish leftover (unlikely) drizzle it over blanched vegetables, spoon it over soup, or you can always lick it from the bottom of the bowl.
peppadew & marcona almond relish
(makes about 1 cup of relish)
1/2 cup jarred peppadew peppers, red or gold, finely diced (i like the hot variety, but there is also mild)
1/4 cup marcona almonds, salted & roasted, crushed or chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh mint, sliced into a thin chiffonade
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil of good quality
sea salt & cracked pepper to taste
a good sized wedge of aged manchego cheese, brought to room temperature before serving
crackers or baguette for serving
combine the peppadews, marcona almonds, garlic, mint, and olive oil in a small bowl. stir to combine. season to taste with salt and pepper. serve with the manchego and crackers.
notes
* if you would like to prepare this relish ahead of time and refrigerate it you may do so, leaving out the almonds until just before serving. i think it is best at room temperature because it allows the flavors to open up
* like many great recipes, this one developed when i accidently bought the wrong ingredient. the orginal recipe called for piquillo peppers. i've since tried it with piquillos and like my messed up version best