Non-Equatorial Pico de Gallo
When for awhile you exist in the land of bounteous buffets that offer your heart’s desire — say, on vacation at a resort or on a cruise or at a Sunday brunch smorgasbord — you learn quickly what you would eat when handed the world on a plate. My husband gravitates towards steak at every meal: steak and eggs to start the day, steak and french fries at noon, and ribeye for dinner, juicy and rare. I, apparently, just want to eat homemade tortilla chips and fresh, spicy, pico de gallo. Plate after plate, at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it is one of my most favorite meals. Add a paloma and I’m in heaven.
But the thing about Brooklyn tomatoes in December? Not looking so hot. In fact, it would be an exercise in disappointment to try to recreate the luscious flavors of a ripe tomato-filled pico de gallo. But a girl who needs her fix and is willing to make compromises will perhaps look around to see what’s in season and will find apples — tart, sweet, and crisp. I served this apple pico de gallo alongside sliced rare steak, black beans and rice for a meal that satisfied needs of both husband and wife.
When meal time comes, what do you crave again and again? Cheese and crackers? Peanut butter and saltines? Big salads? Soup and bread?
Apple Pico de Gallo
makes about 2 cups
2 medium gala apples, diced
1 poblano pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
3/4 cup cilantro, minced
juice of 1 lime
Stir all ingredients together, season with salt. I served this with slices of rare steak and beans and rice, since I was channeling Mexico, but I think this would be lovely with fish and shrimp.
Liz: I could eat peanut butter at every meal for sure!! I wish it was something less fattening, but I just love it!38 weeks ago
Julie: What a cool idea! I have a tomato allergy and think this is a genius alternative. Such a yummy sounding dinner.
I usually crave rice or potatoes with lots of butter and salt. Not for breakfast neccessarily, but for the rest of my meals. Very un-glamorous, but so satisfying.38 weeks ago
Liz, Let’s focus on the positive: it’s such a great protein! In fact, I had some on a slice of country bread with sliced apples on it recently and it was a revelation.
Julie, Something about winter makes a meal of pasta with butter and salt seem very appealing to me as well. I feel you!38 weeks ago
Kristina: I, too, eat peanut butter everyday. The original comfort food.
I’m a big sucker for tortilla chips and salsa, too. Especially peach salsa.38 weeks ago
pattyskypants: sirloin burgers with black diamond cheddar and a clausen kosher dill slice
i could eat this every night
or lobster with melted butter38 weeks ago
Vanessa: I always want rice!
Your pico de gallo looks yummy
I wouldn’t have thought to make it with apples.38 weeks ago
wendyj: We make a version of this with mangoes rather than apples / tomatoes. It’s heaven with seafood, or just scooped onto a tortilla.
Comfort food? Toast. Hot and buttered, thanks!38 weeks ago
Sara Rose: Lately I have eaten a disgusting amount of croissants. I’ve also been eating peanut butter on wasa’s for more fiber and a pear every single day. I drink hot apple cider or hot cocoa daily. My thighs do not thank me.
We’ve eaten a WHOLE LOT of soup lately. Butternut squash, pumpkin, split pea, black bean, legume, mixed bean, ccarrot, seriously I think I have a liquid diet lately. I best go munch on a peanut butter wasa.38 weeks ago
Wendy: Spaghetti!! with sauce.hot.cold.fried.regular.no cheese.
with an egg even. just happens to be the bestest in my book.
and as far as pico goes, we have used many wonderful substitutions for tomatos. pineapple, peaches, mango, oranges, black beans and corn, black-eyed peas,bell peppers/all colors, zuccini….let your imagination, budget and taste buds take you on a great journey!! Will have to try the apple version now!! Thanks Sara!38 weeks ago
Alison: Who among us is graced with an actual *craving* for big, healthy salads? I mean, if it’s just used as a vehicle for salty, garlicky dressing I’m there…38 weeks ago
Christine H.: I am with you, Sarah. Tortilla chips & salsa—the spicier the better. Throw in a side of homemade black beans for a bit of protein and you’ve got the perfect lunch or dinner.37 weeks ago
Shelley: I LOVE bacon. I could eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner!!! And I mean pork bacon, not that turkey impersonating bacon. That’s my comfort food!37 weeks ago
Barb: I’ve found a great source for tomatoes that aren’t pale pink and dried out during the winter months. Most small Mexican markets have peppers, cilantro, and tomatoes that look really good and taste GREAT–much better than what I get in the grocery store.26 weeks ago