America is home to ketchup, mustard, and a countless number of hot sauces and salad dressings. Although we may think that we have a lock on exciting tastes and fun snack cuisine, there are flavor surprises worldwide- and even here in the states- that will knock your socks off!
Unusual Snack Condiments
If your latest handful of french fries has been bland, or you want something new to shake up your daily diet: here are some fun condiments and how they’re usually enjoyed!
Banana Ketchup
Unless you’re familiar with Philippine food, or you watch a lot of Food Network, the idea of banana ketchup might bring up a confusing notion of lumpy bananas and tomatoes shoved together in a bottle. That’s not the case! Banana ketchup is often dyed red to resemble American ketchup, but it’s almost entirely banana, vinegar, sugar, and spices. This combination may sound odd at first, but try it on a quick slice of pizza or a hot dog, and you’ll never question it again!
Cranberry Pepper Jelly
Not every jelly is made the same. When most people think of jellies, they consider them as a sweet and simple food that can go on toast, or a bagel, and not much else. Don’t underestimate the condiment! Cranberry pepper jelly is the perfect mixture of sweet and spicy that will wake up your mouth and mind and make you want to take another bite.
Fermented Bean Curd
If you’ve ever craved some carbs and needed something more than just plain rice or toast, fermented bean curd is where it’s at! A spunky and robust flavor comes from the cubed tofu and fermented soybeans. A little goes a long way, so don’t try to eat it right out of the jar, instead spread it sparingly on toast, or scoop a small spoonful for a bowl of rice. The salt will tease your tongue, while the savory flavor that follows will leave you full and happy.
Tkemali
The country of Georgia has a lot to offer in this beautiful and unique plum sauce. Like others on this list, tkemali provides a tangy and sweet mix while playing nice with almost any food. If you’re in Georgia, you can even get tkemali hot wings! Plums are an underutilized flavor in most parts of the world, so this condiment fills a gap most don’t even realize exists!
Mango Pickles
This delicious Indian condiment could be a snack all its own if you wanted! By pickling manjo slices with a lot of seasonings and vinegar, you get a great tasting topping. You can blend these for a salad dressing or serve it on top of pasta or rice.
Belize Habanero Sauce
Whispered horror stories about people trying a hot sauce they weren’t prepared for is a fun past-time for many Americans in the Southwest. The thing many don’t realize is the real heat is further South! Nestled beneath the Caribbean sea and on the East coast of Central America, Belize is home to some scorching sauces. Although you may think you’re ready, these spices can knock down the most adventurous tongues! Anyone looking for a snack that will challenge them need not look further!
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