Sievas Mates Mele

This delightful cucumber relish, known for its refreshing crunch and tangy flavors, is perfect for adding brightness to various dishes. The combination of cucumbers, sugar, salt, and spices creates a vibrant medley of taste and texture. With a hint of mustard and black pepper, this relish offers a gentle spice that complements its sweet and sour profile. The oil and vinegar used in the recipe serve to enhance the relish's flavors while providing a luscious quality. Quick to prepare and versatile in its uses, this recipe can be a staple for summer picnics or as a condiment for grilled meats. The relish is bottled and stored without the need for heating, preserving the freshness of the ingredients. It's a wonderful homemade alternative to store-bought options and gives you complete control over the ingredients you use. Its versatility means it could be a standout side at your next gathering or served as a specialty topping for sandwiches and burgers. Perfectly pairing with a variety of cuisines, this dish adds a burst of flavor to any meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 4 kg cucumbers
• 200 g sugar
• 100 g salt

Spices

• 1 tablespoon mustard powder (mustard)
• 1 tablespoon black pepper

Sauces

• 300 ml oil
• 300 ml vinegar

Others

• 5 cloves garlic

Preparation Time

• Total Time: Approximately 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Cucumbers: Begin by thoroughly washing the cucumbers to remove any dirt or impurities. Once clean, slice the cucumbers into thin, round pieces.

2. Prep the Garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and chop them finely. They will add an aromatic depth to the relish.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sugar, salt, mustard powder, and black pepper. Ensure they are thoroughly mixed to distribute the flavors evenly.

4. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the oil and vinegar together. This will form the liquid base for the relish.

5. Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, minced garlic, and the dry ingredient mixture. Toss well to ensure the cucumbers are evenly coated.

6. Add the Liquid: Slowly pour the oil and vinegar mixture over the cucumber mix. Stir gently, making sure every slice is covered with the flavorful dressing.

7. Let It Sit: Allow the mixture to rest for a few minutes. This helps the cucumbers soak up the flavors, balancing the sweetness, spiciness, and tanginess.

8. Jar the Mixture: Carefully transfer the cucumber mixture into sterilized jars. Pack them tightly to eliminate air pockets, ensuring a longer shelf life.

9. Seal the Jars: Once packed, seal the jars with lids. Ensure the lids are tight to preserve freshness.

10. Refrigerate: Store the jars in the refrigerator. This step is crucial as it helps the flavors meld and mature over time, enhancing the relish's taste.

11. Serve: Once chilled, your relish is ready to enjoy. It's perfect as a side or condiment.

12. No Heating Required: This recipe requires no heating or cooking, preserving the natural crunch and flavor of the cucumbers.

Tips

• For a Spicier Relish: Consider adding chili flakes or finely chopped fresh chilies.
• Oil Options: Use a neutral-flavored oil to avoid altering the taste of the relish.
• Preservation: Ensure jars are sterilized to extend the relish's shelf life.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 80 kcal per serving
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fats: 7g
• Carbs: 5g

Variations

• Low-Sodium Version: Reduce the salt quantity and replace it with herbs like dill or parsley for additional flavor without the added sodium.
• Vinegar Options: Experiment with apple cider vinegar for a fruitier taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Pairings: Serve with grilled sausages or burgers for a classic taste combination.
• Garnish: Top salads with the relish for added crunch and flavor diversity.

Best Places

• The Pickle House - Known for their pickling expertise and wide variety of fermented foods. Location: Broadway Market Food, London, UK.
• Katz's Delicatessen - Famous for their signature pickles alongside classic deli sandwiches. Location: 205 E Houston St, New York, USA.
• Reuben Hills - A trendy spot offering a fusion of modern dishes paired with artisan pickled sides. Location: 30 Reservoir St, Surry Hills, Australia.
• The Cupping Room - Offers gourmet sandwiches with a speciality in homemade condiments including pickled cucumber relish. Location: 8-13 Queensland Cres, Canberra, Australia.
• Jar Bar - A cozy café known for its house-made jams and relishes. Location: 15 Thames St, Oamaru, New Zealand.
• Mason & Co - Celebrated for its artisanal foods with unique relishes on their menu. Location: Peniscola Castle Rd, Peniscola, Spain.
• Osteria Francescana - Combines traditional Italian dining with innovative twists including gourmet relishes. Location: Via Stella 22, Modena, Italy.
• Silo - A pioneering zero-waste restaurant with organic pickled accompaniments. Location: 39 Upper Gardner St, Brighton, UK.
• Central - Praised for its focus on traditional Peruvian cuisine with unique touch of pickled ingredients. Location: Av Pedro de Osma 301, Lima, Peru.
• Narisawa - Noted for its sustainable gastronomy with specialties in local pickled delicacies. Location: 2 Chome-6-15 Minamiaoyama, Tokyo, Japan.

Make sure to enjoy this crisp and tangy relish with your favorite meals for an extra burst of flavor!