The Origins and Evolutions of Salsas, Chutneys, and Relishes
The origins and evolutions of salsas, chutneys, and relishes Condiments come in many diverse yet delicious flavors. There are salsas, chutneys, relishes, and many more! We all know what they taste like, but do we know the history of some of our basic foods? The first sign of salsa can be seen at 3000 B.C.E. in South America. The Aztec Indians combined chiles, tomatoes, and other vegetables like squash seeds and even beans together to make a spicy sauce. Then the Spanish went to Mexico during their exploration of Central America and discovered the recipie for this palatable condiment. During one of their voyages, the Spanish brought salsa to Europe, spreading this aspect of culture all thorughout another continent. During 1494, Diego Alvarez Chanca, a doctor who believed that it had medicinal qualities, was accredited with bringing it back to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. Now a days, salsa is used in a variety of ways with a variety of foods, being the most popular condiment in the united states. Which isn't anything shocking, considering its big taste and diverse ingredients. Some different uses would be to use it with pasta, spansih rice, tomato soup, egg white omelets, baked potatoes, crepes with cheese, cottage cheese as a plain snack, pureed gazpacho, bagels, or on chicken. You know what is a great condiment for chicken other than salsa? Chutney! It can go great with crackers and cream cheese, with roast pork instead of apple sauce, lamb instead of mint jelly, turkey instead of cranberry sauce, chicken nuggets instead of ketchup or sweet and sour sauce, and with ham instead of mustard. My personal favorite is the yogurt mint chutney. It consists of cilantro, mint, green chilli peppers, lemon juice, salt, and yogurt. Kebabs just don't taste right unless they're drowned in the chutney, or so i think. The original chutney is said to be derived from India. This irks me so, and thus i'd like to add in a side note reminding that Pakistan