El Chico's Relish
El Chico's relish is a zesty, chunky vegetable condiment featuring diced tomatoes, carrots, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, red wine vinegar, lime juice and spices like cumin and chili powder. Originated from Adelaida Cuellar's tamale business in late 1800s Texas, this vibrant Tex-Mex relish packs a tangy, moderately spicy punch meant to accompany chips, salsa, tacos and more.
El Chico's Relish
If you're a fan of Tex-Mex cuisine, chances are you've had the pleasure of experiencing the vibrant, zesty relish that accompanies chips and salsa at El Chico restaurants. This unassuming condiment packs a serious punch of flavor that perfectly complements the bold, smoky notes of their famous Tex-Mex dishes.
For those uninitiated, El Chico's relish is a chunky, veggie-packed medley that's equal parts fresh, tangy, and spicy. It's the kind of condiment that you can't help but heap onto your plate, adding layers of bright, zingy flavor to every bite. And let me tell you, once you've tasted it, you'll be hooked.
As a longtime fan of El Chico's relish, I've often found myself craving its addictive flavors long after leaving the restaurant. So, in a quest to satisfy my cravings, I decided to roll up my sleeves and try my hand at recreating this Tex-Mex treasure at home.
Now, let me preface this by saying that attempting to replicate a beloved restaurant dish can be a daunting task. But with a little research and a willingness to experiment, I was determined to craft a homemade version that would do justice to the original.
After scouring the internet for recipes and poring over countless ingredient lists, I settled on a combination that I believe captures the essence of El Chico's relish. The key players? Diced tomatoes, carrots, onions, jalapeños, and a generous helping of fresh cilantro. But it's the zingy kick from the red wine vinegar, lime juice, and a carefully curated blend of spices that truly elevates this humble relish to greatness.
As I chopped and diced my way through the ingredients, the aroma of Tex-Mex flavors wafted through my kitchen, instantly transporting me back to my favorite El Chico memories. And when it came time to mix everything together, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and anticipation.
Now, I won't lie – my first few attempts at replicating El Chico's relish weren't perfect. But through trial and error (and maybe a few too many taste tests), I've landed on a recipe that I believe captures the essence of the original while still allowing room for personal tweaks and adjustments.
One of the beauties of this homemade relish is its versatility. While it's an absolute must-have for accompanying chips and salsa, it also makes a fantastic topping for tacos, burritos, or even a zesty addition to scrambled eggs or omelets. And for those daring souls out there, feel free to kick up the heat by adding an extra jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
But let's be clear – while my homemade version is a delicious tribute to El Chico's relish, it's not a perfect replica. That's the beauty of cooking at home; you have the freedom to experiment, tweak, and make a dish your own. So, while I've done my best to capture the essence of this Tex-Mex icon, I encourage you to treat this recipe as a starting point and make it your own.
Disclaimer: Spice levels and personal taste preferences may vary. Please adjust the recipe accordingly and consume at your own risk. Moderation is key, my friends.
At the end of the day, El Chico's relish is more than just a condiment – it's a celebration of flavor, a nod to Tex-Mex tradition, and a reminder that sometimes, the simplest dishes can be the most memorable. So, grab your knife, fire up your taste buds, and get ready to experience the zesty, vibrant flavors of this beloved Tex-Mex treasure, homemade style.
El Chico-Style Relish Recipe
prep time with cooking.
Serves 2 cups relish and contains approximately 20 calories per 1/4 cup serving.
Tex-Mex / Condiment, Appetizer
Ingredients
- 3 roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 carrot, peeled and finely diced
- 1/2 white onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeds and membranes removed, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Directions
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, carrot, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, mix together the vinegar, lime juice, sugar, salt, cumin and chili powder until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
- Pour the vinegar mixture over the vegetable mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled alongside chips, tacos, burritos or other Tex-Mex dishes.
Check this video out about El Chico's Relish.
Rated 4.9 by 27 reviewers.
Recipe Tags: El Chico's Relish, El Chico's Relish Recipe
Published by: Dish Dupes
El Chico's Relish Recipe FAQ
What are the main ingredients in El Chico's relish? The main ingredients are diced tomatoes, carrots, onions, jalapeños, fresh cilantro, red wine vinegar, lime juice, salt, sugar, cumin and chili powder.
Is the relish spicy? Yes, it has a moderate kick of heat from the jalapeños, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño.
How long does the relish keep in the fridge? When stored properly in an airtight container, the homemade relish should keep for 5-7 days refrigerated.
Can I make it ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, making the relish a day ahead allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just give it a good stir before serving.
What's the best way to chop the vegetables? For the ideal texture, finely dice the tomatoes, carrots, onions and jalapeños into 1/4-inch pieces. The cilantro can be chopped more coarsely.
Do I need to peel the carrots? Yes, it's best to peel the carrots first before dicing them for smoother texture in the relish.
Can I substitute something else for the red wine vinegar? You can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar instead, but red wine vinegar gives the most authentic Tex-Mex flavor.
How much does this recipe make? This recipe yields around 2 cups of the chunky fresh relish.
Aside from chips, what else goes well with this relish? It's fantastic on tacos, burritos, tostadas, eggs, grilled meats and fish. Basically anything Tex-Mex!
Is this relish vegan/vegetarian? Yes, this particular recipe is 100% vegan and vegetarian as written.
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