Drunken Apple Salsa

By TasteFood • January 11, 2011 • 3 Comments

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Author Notes: This salad is a riff on an apple cranberry sauce I like to make. It's a bright, juicy, crunchy salsa with a mix of sweet, sour and heat. The tequila lime syrup adds the drunken effect, binding the salsa while giving it a little kick. Serve it as a side dish or an accompaniment to pork or poultry. - TasteFood

Makes about 2 cups

1/3 cup tequila
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 large Granny Smith apple, cored, cut in 1/4 inch dice
1 jalapeno pepper, stemmed, seeded, finely diced
1 red serrano pepper, stemmed, seeded, finely diced
1/2 small red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup pomegranate arils
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Make the tequila syrup: Combine the tequila, lime juice and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil (take care, since the alcohol may ignite.) Boil until liquid reduces by half. Remove from heat and cool.
Combine all the remaining ingredients except the cilantro in a bowl. Add the tequila syrup and mix to combine. Let sit at room temperature 30 minutes. Add fresh cilantro before serving.