Pineapple chow is an incredibly easy Trinidadian snack/side with garlic, cilantro and chili. Sweet, salty and spicy it's refreshing and delicious.
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I came across pineapple chow a bit by accident, but as soon as I read about it, I knew I had to make it. Chow seems to be most commonly made with green/slightly underripe mango, but pineapple is probably a close second. You can also make it with other firm slightly tart fruits such as green apples.
This easy, refreshing dish has so much flavor and would be great as a side to many summer meals, or just as a snack.
What is chow?
Chow is a traditional dish from Trinidad made with fruit, garlic and culantro/chadon beni. Since culantro/chadon beni isn't exactly common here, cilantro is the next best thing being a close relative anyway.
You then season it with hot sauce and/or chili, salt and pepper, all to taste and depending on the fruit.It's the sort of thing you would find as a snack from a street vendor, at festivals or as a side.
In some ways, it feels like the Trinidadian equivalent to what you might be more familiar with, Laos/Thai green papaya salad. Given that's one of my favorites, that's partly why I felt I had to make this and it doesn't disappoint.
How to make pineapple chow
Pineapple, or indeed any, chow is incredibly easy to make. You simply chop up the fruit, finely chop some garlic and cilantro and mix them together, along with some lime juice, hot sauce, salt and pepper.
Spice it up or down to taste, but it's definitely worth adding a bit of seasoning. You can serve it straight away but it can also be good to let it marinate for 30 minutes or so.
Pineapple chow is a wonderful mix of sweet, salty and spicy. It's really quick and easy to make and is versatile too, making a great snack or side dish to many a meal. Given there are so few ingredients, it feels like it has a surprisingly complex flavor, but most importantly, it tastes great. Refreshing and flavorful, you can hardly ask for more.
Try these other tasty pineapple recipes:
- Frozen pineapple daiquiri
- Tacos al pastor (grilled)
- Pineapple empanadas
- Grilled pineapple ice cream
- Nyonya shrimp and pineapple curry
Plus get more side dish recipes in the archives.
Pineapple chow (Trinidadian spiced fruit)
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple (vol/weight without skin/core)
- 1 clove garlic (small)
- 2 tablespoon cilantro coriander, chopped (culantro/chadon beni if you can get it)
- 1 ½ tablespoon lime juice (1 ½ tablespoon is approx ½ to 1 lime)
- ⅛ teaspoon hot sauce or more to taste, plus a little salt & pepper
Instructions
- Chop the pineapple into small-ish chunks. Finely chop the garlic and cilantro and add them, along with the lime juice, to the pineapple.
- Add a little hot sauce, salt and pepper, mix, then adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve either straight away or chill in the refrigerator for 30min or so to allow flavors to marinate/mingle a bit more.
Video
Nutrition
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Al says
you can also use strawberries, half ripe mangos, half ripe pears or mix them all together for a medley
Caroline's Cooking says
Yes, I've seen it made with other fruits as well and those all sound great.
Abby says
What kind of hot sauce do you recommend using? Thanks!
Caroline's Cooking says
I generally use tabasco, but really as you prefer. Enjoy!
Shanaz S says
Trinidadian here.
You should let it marinate 30 mins or more.
I'd like to if you've come across other countries with a "spicy fruit" chow-like recipe of their own?
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, I can see that helping to mingle the flavors. Yes there are other similar dishes in other cultures too - India has chaat which can be made with fruit, Thailand and that area has things like green papaya or mango salad (though it uses the green fruit so it's not typically very sweet if at all). Then while some of the more traditional Mexican salsas use tomatoes or tomatillos, fruit twists are becoming more common.
Jan says
Trini here: habenaro peppers work the best. Tabasco and other pepper sauce will spoil it.
Caroline's Cooking says
Appreciate your input - I remember when researching, I saw it made both ways so I imagine it's as with many traditional recipes, it has variations and it depends what you are used to and prefer.
Brian Jones says
What a fab sounding treat, completely new to me... The idea of hot sauce on pineapple is particularly exciting 😀
Caroline's Cooking says
It really is great, I'm sure you with your love of spice would love it!
Anna says
Such a unique combination of flavors! Thanks for sharing such a delightful recipe and introducing me to Pineapple Chow.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, and you're welcome - it's a tasty dish!
Chichi says
This recipe sounds interesting. Never had pineapples this way. Definitely worth a try.
Caroline's Cooking says
It definitely is - the additions really make it special!
camila hurst says
This pineapple chow is absolutely delicious!! I can't wait to make this!!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, it's such an easy and tasty dish.
Ellen says
Such a delicious combination of flavors. I bet mango would be delicious too.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, it really is tasty, and yes I keep meaning to try mango as well.
Sandhya Nadkarni says
Caroline,
I want to make this for sure! Sounds so yummy.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Sandhya, it's really easy and so tasty!
Indu says
Looks wonderful! thanks for introducing us to Trinidadian chow!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Indu, it was new to me too and so glad I discovered it!
Jhuls says
This sounds really delicious and refreshing! I love pineapples in any form. 😀
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Jhuls, it definitely is both!
Carlee says
What an interesting combination of flavors! I'll have to give this a try!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Carlee, it may sound unusual but it really works! Hope you enjoy.
Angie | Fiesta Friday says
?? Nice, Caroline! I've never had pineapple chow before. Come to think of it, I've never heard of it! What a shame, given how much I love pineapple. I fully intend to make up for it by making it at once. Sounds very refreshing! Thanks for participating!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Angie, I only came across it recently but it's so good! I'm sure you'd love it, given your love of pineapple 🙂
Julianna says
Mmm, this sounds so nice and refreshing! 😀
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Julianna, it absolutely is!
LD says
I have been to Trinidad several times but only ever had it while I was there again a few weeks ago.
I am a pineapple lover but at first I was very hesitant as I didn't think that I would like it,but upon tasting it, I instantly fell in love. Still craving it to this day
Caroline's Cooking says
I can understand that, the idea can seem unusual but it really is so delicious! Glad you enjoyed.