Banana and Red Pepper Relish: A Sweet and Smoky Twist to Elevate Your Favorite Dishes

Banana and red pepper relish might sound like an unexpected combination, but trust me, it’s a flavor-packed surprise you’ll love. The sweetness of ripe bananas pairs beautifully with the smoky heat of red peppers, creating a balance that’s both bold and comforting. It’s the kind of condiment that instantly elevates everything from grilled meats to a simple slice of toast.

I first discovered this relish during a trip to a tropical market, where it was served alongside fried plantains. The vibrant colors and unique taste caught my attention, and I couldn’t wait to recreate it at home. It’s surprisingly easy to make and adds a touch of adventure to any meal.

Whether you’re looking to spice up your barbecue spread or just try something new, this relish is a must-try. It’s a little sweet, a little spicy, and entirely unforgettable! Let’s dive into this deliciously unexpected recipe.

Ingredients

As someone who grows and loves bananas, I carefully crafted this relish to highlight their rich sweetness while pairing beautifully with the smoky tones of red peppers. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 ripe bananas, peeled and chopped into small cubes
• 1 large red bell pepper, roasted, peeled, and finely chopped
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small red chili pepper, finely chopped (adjust for heat preference)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Each ingredient contributes to balancing the relish’s layers of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. From the naturally mellow flavor of bananas to the subtle heat from the chili pepper, everything works together to create an unforgettable topping.

Tools And Equipment

Creating this banana and red pepper relish doesn’t require anything fancy, but having the right tools on hand makes the process smooth and enjoyable. As someone who spends hours experimenting with banana recipes, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of good equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cutting board: For chopping the bananas, peppers, onion, and chili. Choose a sturdy surface to handle all the slicing.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife is essential for clean, precise cuts, especially when working with soft bananas and firm red peppers.
• Medium mixing bowl: Use this to combine your ingredients before cooking. A glass or stainless steel bowl works best for easy cleanup.
• Large nonstick skillet or saucepan: This is where all the magic happens; the relish will simmer here to develop its incredible flavors.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching the pan. Its gentleness helps prevent breaking down the ingredients too much.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy matters, so use these to measure vinegar, sugar, and spices. Precision ensures balanced flavors.
• Spatula: A silicone spatula works wonders for scraping every bit of relish from the pan without waste.
• Jar with lid: Once the relish is ready, store it in an airtight glass jar. This keeps it fresh and easy to enjoy later.

Directions

Making this banana and red pepper relish is simple yet so rewarding. Follow my step-by-step instructions to create this vibrant, sweet, and smoky condiment that celebrates the versatility of bananas.

Prep

1. Start by peeling 3 ripe bananas and slicing them into thin rounds. Make sure to use bananas that are fully ripe but not overly soft, as they’ll hold their shape better during cooking.
2. Roast 1 large red bell pepper until the skin is charred (this can be done on a gas stove or in the oven). Once cooled, peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and chop it into small pieces. Set aside the juicy, smoky pieces—it’s where the magic begins!
3. Finely dice 1 small red onion, mince 2 garlic cloves, and finely chop 1 small red chili pepper (for some heat, keep the seeds).
4. Measure out 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 3 tablespoons of light brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon each of ground ginger and ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Have 1 tablespoon of olive oil ready to use.

Cook

1. Heat a large nonstick skillet or saucepan over medium heat and add the tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, sauté the diced red onion for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped red chili pepper, cooking for another 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the roasted red pepper and sliced bananas to the skillet. Stir gently to combine, allowing everything to heat evenly.
4. Slowly pour in the apple cider vinegar, then add the light brown sugar, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly, ensuring the spices coat the banana and pepper mixture.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the relish simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The bananas will soften, the sugar will caramelize, and the relish will thicken to a jam-like consistency.

Cool And Store

1. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the relish cool for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to mellow and blend beautifully.
2. Transfer the cooled relish into a clean jar with a lid. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. The flavors intensify even more as it sits, making it even better by day two or three.

Serving Suggestions

As someone who lives and breathes all things bananas, I love discovering creative ways to use my banana and red pepper relish. Its vibrant sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors make it surprisingly versatile! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve and enjoy this delightful condiment:

• Spread it on sandwiches and wraps: Add a generous layer to a turkey sandwich or veggie wrap for a flavorful twist. The relish pairs beautifully with savory fillings, creating a satisfying balance.
• Top grilled meats or seafood: This relish shines when spooned over grilled chicken, pork chops, or even salmon. The sweetness of bananas and the smokiness of peppers complement charred, juicy proteins like a dream.
• Use as a dipper for fried snacks: Serve it alongside crispy plantains, sweet potato fries, or samosas. I first fell in love with this relish dipping fried plantains, and it remains one of my go-to combinations.
• Pair with cheese and crackers: Add it as a unique addition to a charcuterie board. Its layers of flavor go wonderfully with creamy brie, sharp cheddar, or tangy goat cheese.
• Serve it with breakfast dishes: Dollop it over scrambled eggs, breakfast burritos, or avocado toast. The relish adds a sweet and tangy kick to your morning routine.
• Mix into rice or grain bowls: Stir a spoonful into cooked rice, quinoa, or farro for an unexpected burst of flavor. It elevates these simple sides instantly.
• Layer on burgers or sausages: Use it as a condiment for your burgers or grilled sausages. The sweet and smoky notes give regular cookout fare a gourmet touch.

Make-Ahead Instructions

As someone who loves working with bananas, I find that planning ahead with recipes like this banana and red pepper relish not only enhances the flavors but also simplifies your meal prep. Here’s how I make sure the relish is ready when I need it.

1. Prep Ingredients in Advance

You can peel and slice the bananas, roast the red peppers, and dice the onions and garlic up to a day ahead. Store each ingredient separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. I like to sprinkle a little lemon juice over the banana slices to prevent them from browning.

1. Cook and Store the Relish

Once you’ve cooked the relish, transfer it into a sterilized jar while it’s still warm. Seal the jar tightly, and let the relish cool to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator. The banana sweetness deepens, and the red pepper’s smoky undertones become even more pronounced over time.

1. Refrigeration Time for Flavors to Meld

For a more robust flavor, let the relish sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. I’ve found that the spicy and tangy notes balance themselves beautifully with the bananas during this time, making it even more delicious.

1. Shelf Life

The relish can last up to 10 days when stored correctly in the refrigerator. Be sure to use a clean utensil every time to scoop it out to maintain its freshness.

Conclusion

Banana and red pepper relish is more than just a condiment; it’s a flavorful adventure waiting to be explored. Its unique blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy notes makes it a standout addition to any meal, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or spicing up a weekday lunch.

I love how this relish brings creativity to the table and transforms simple dishes into something extraordinary. If you’re looking to add a touch of bold flavor to your cooking, this recipe is a must-try. Trust me, it’s worth the effort!