Description
This Tropical Pineapple Cowboy Candy recipe offers a sweet and spicy relish with a tropical twist, combining candied jalapeños with fresh pineapple in a tangy syrup. It’s a versatile condiment perfect for grilled meats, sandwiches, burgers, and more.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium-sized fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into small chunks
- 1 ½ cups granulated white sugar
- ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger or 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- Optional: 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
- Optional: 1 small red chili, sliced thin
Instructions
- Prepare the pineapple: Peel, core, and cut the fresh pineapple into small, bite-sized cubes. Set aside.
- Start the syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and ginger. Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture boils gently.
- Simmer with pineapple: Add pineapple chunks to the boiling syrup. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pineapple will absorb the syrup and release its juice, slightly thickening the sauce.
- Add optional flavors: Stir in fresh mint just after removing from heat for a minty twist. Add thinly sliced red chili during simmering for extra heat.
- Cool slightly and jar: Remove from heat and let cool for 10-15 minutes. Ladle the Tropical Pineapple Cowboy Candy into sterilized glass jars, leaving ½ inch of headspace. Wipe rims clean and secure lids.
- Let it set: Allow jars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. For best flavor, let it chill for at least 24 hours before serving.
- Storage guidelines: Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Always use a clean spoon when serving.
Notes
- Sterilize jars by boiling them in water for at least 10 minutes and let them air-dry completely.
- Avoid overcooking the pineapple to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Taste the syrup before adding pineapple and adjust sugar or vinegar as needed.
- Gradually adjust spice levels; add more heat after tasting if desired.
- Wear gloves when handling fresh chili peppers.
- Consider doubling the batch for gifting or frequent use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Relish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Tropical Pineapple Cowboy Candy, spicy pineapple jalapeno candy, sweet and spicy pineapple treats, pineapple cowboy candy recipe, pineapple jal