Zesty Sunchoke & Caper Relish
This vibrant Zesty Sunchoke & Caper Relish is a quick, tangy, and crunchy topping that elevates grilled fish, chicken, or even a simple piece of toast. Its bright flavors and unique texture make it an instant favorite.
For 4 servings
Thoroughly scrub the Jerusalem artichokes (sunchokes) under cold running water. Pat them dry. While peeling is optional, it can improve texture; if peeling, use a vegetable peeler.
Finely dice the sunchokes into very small, uniform pieces, aiming for a texture similar to finely minced water chestnuts. Immediately transfer them to a medium mixing bowl.
Pour the fresh lemon juice over the diced sunchokes and toss gently to coat. This prevents oxidation and adds immediate brightness.
Add the finely chopped fresh parsley, rinsed and finely chopped capers, extra virgin olive oil, and red pepper flakes to the bowl with the sunchokes.
Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust as needed.
Stir all ingredients together thoroughly until well combined, ensuring the sunchokes are evenly coated with the dressing and seasonings.
Allow the relish to sit for at least 5-10 minutes at room temperature before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the sunchokes to slightly soften while retaining their crunch.
Serve chilled or at room temperature as a vibrant topping for grilled fish, roasted chicken, scrambled eggs, or spread on crostini.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Prevent Browning:** Sunchokes oxidize quickly once cut. Tossing them immediately with lemon juice is crucial to maintain their appealing white color and fresh taste.
- 2**Uniform Dice:** Aim for a very fine, consistent dice for the sunchokes. This ensures a pleasant texture in every bite and allows the flavors to distribute evenly.
- 3**Versatile Topping:** Don't limit this relish to just fish or chicken. It's fantastic on avocado toast, mixed into grain bowls, or as a bright addition to a cheese board.
- 4**Storage:** Store any leftover relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb Swap
Replace parsley with fresh dill, chives, or a mix of herbs for a different aromatic profile.
Added AlliumAdded Allium
For a subtle oniony kick, finely mince 1 tablespoon of shallot or red onion and add it to the relish.
Spice BoostSpice Boost
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper for a more pronounced heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Sunchokes are an excellent source of inulin, a type of dietary fiber that supports gut health and digestion.
Vitamin C Boost
Lemon juice and fresh parsley contribute a significant amount of Vitamin C, an essential antioxidant for immune function.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, known for their benefits in maintaining cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can prepare this relish up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld further, and the sunchokes will retain their crunch.
