RECIPE

Spicy Quince Sambal

  • ACTIVE: 20 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 30 MIN
  • SERVINGS: makes 1 1/2 cups

This tart and fiery condiment was inspired by the sambal of Cape Malay cooking, brought to South Africa by Indonesian and Malaysian slaves.

  • ACTIVE: 20 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 30 MIN
  • SERVINGS: makes 1 1/2 cups
  • FAST
  • HEALTHY
  • MAKE-AHEAD
  • VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

  • Ingredients
    1. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
    2. 4 garlic cloves, very finely chopped
    3. 3 red Thai chiles, very finely chopped
    4. One 2-inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced
    5. 1 small red onion, finely chopped
    6. 2 tablespoons salted roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
    7. 2 small quinces—peeled, halved, cored and cut into 1/4-inch dice (see Note)
    8. 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
    9. 1 tablespoon sugar
    10. 1 teaspoon salt
    11. 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped mint
    12. 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped cilantro

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil. Add the garlic, chiles, ginger and onion and cook over moderate heat until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the peanuts and cook until sizzling, about 3 minutes. Add the quinces, lime juice, sugar and salt. Cover and simmer, stirring a few times, until the quince is barely tender, about 3 minutes. Let cool slightly. Stir in the mint and cilantro and serve.

Make Ahead

The sambal can be refrigerated overnight.

Notes

Quinces are available at most supermarkets from October through December.