Ginger Lime Cucumber Relish: A Bright Summer Condiment
This Ginger Lime Cucumber Relish is the perfect way to add a refreshing and zesty punch to your summer meals. The combination of crisp cucumbers with spicy ginger and tangy lime creates a delicious, fermented condiment that’s full of beneficial probiotics and complex flavours. This relish pairs beautifully with grilled meats, salads, sandwiches, or as a side to rice and noodles. The best part? It’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients!
Ingredients
• 2-3 large cucumbers, diced
• 1-2 inches fresh ginger, finely minced (adjust to taste)
• Juice and zest of 1-2 limes (adjust to taste)
• 4% salt by weight
Equipment
• Large bowl for mixing
• Large glass jar for fermenting (mason jars work well)
• Scale for accurate salt measurement
• Plastic bag to act as a weight
• Water to fill the bag and keep the cucumbers submerged
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cucumbers
Start by washing and dicing the cucumbers into small, bite-sized pieces. The smaller the pieces, the faster they’ll ferment, and the more flavour will be absorbed. You can peel the cucumbers if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds texture and a touch of extra fibre to the relish.
2. Add Ginger and Lime
In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumbers with minced ginger, lime juice, and lime zest. Adjust the amount of ginger and lime to your taste; more ginger will give it a spicy warmth, while more lime will add brightness and tang.
3. Measure and Add the Salt
Fermentation relies on salt to create a safe environment for beneficial bacteria to grow. For this recipe, you’ll want a 4% salt brine by weight. Here’s how to measure it accurately:
• Place your empty jar on a kitchen scale and tare it to 0.
• Add the cucumber mixture to the jar, noting the total weight.
• Multiply this weight by 0.04 to calculate the amount of salt needed (e.g., if your cucumber mixture weighs 500 grams, you’ll need 20 grams of salt).
• Add the calculated amount of salt to the cucumber mixture and mix thoroughly to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
4. Pack and Weigh Down the Mixture
Once the salt is mixed in, press the cucumber mixture down firmly into the jar to remove any air pockets. Then, place a large plastic bag inside the jar, covering the cucumber mixture. Fill the bag with water until it gently presses down on the cucumbers, ensuring they stay submerged in their own juices. Keeping the mixture submerged helps prevent mold and unwanted bacteria from spoiling your relish.
5. Ferment at Room Temperature
Seal the jar loosely or cover with a cloth to allow gases to escape. Let the cucumber mixture ferment at room temperature for 3-5 days. Check daily to monitor the flavour and texture. After 3 days, you’ll notice the cucumbers start to change colour and soften slightly, and the flavours will become more complex with a mild, tangy taste. You can ferment longer if you prefer a stronger flavour.
6. Taste and Store
Once the relish has reached your desired taste, remove the water bag, cover the jar with a lid, and transfer it to the refrigerator. Let it chill for an additional 2-4 days before serving, as this will allow the flavours to meld and mature further. The relish will continue to develop its tanginess in the fridge and should keep for up to 2-3 weeks.
Serving Suggestions
This Ginger Lime Cucumber Relish is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
• Grilled Meats: Serve as a tangy topping for grilled chicken, fish, or pork.
• Tacos and Wraps: Add a spoonful to tacos, wraps, or pita sandwiches for extra crunch and flavor.
• Salads: Toss with greens or mix with grains like quinoa or rice for a refreshing salad.
• Sandwiches: Spread on sandwiches or burgers to add a refreshing twist.
• Rice and Noodle Bowls: Pairs well with Asian-inspired rice and noodle bowls for added texture and zest.
Why This Method Works
Fermenting the cucumbers with salt allows beneficial bacteria to break down the natural sugars, creating a slightly sour, pickled flavour without vinegar. The ginger and lime add depth, while the salt preserves the cucumbers and enhances their flavour. By weighing down the cucumbers with water, you ensure they stay submerged in their brine, which helps avoid spoilage.
This ginger-lime cucumber relish offers a taste of summer in every bite, with the added health benefits of fermentation. Enjoy it as a simple, homemade condiment that will brighten any meal!
