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Pineapple Cowboy Candy Recipe

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4.1 from 4 reviews

Pineapple Cowboy Candy is a delightful Southern condiment that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. Made with fresh pineapple, jalapeños, and a flavorful pickling brine, this quick and easy recipe only takes 15 minutes from start to finish. Use it as a topping for sandwiches, burgers, cheeses, or enjoy it straight from the jar for a vibrant and zesty kick.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 cups

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 Pineapple, cut into bite-size cubes
  • 3 Jalapeños, sliced
  • 1.5 inch Fresh ginger, finely chopped

Pickling Water

  • 2 cups Apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cups Water
  • 1 cup White granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Black mustard seeds
  • 1 tablespoon Chili flakes
  • ½ teaspoon Salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the fruit and peppers: Cut the pineapple into bite-sized cubes. Slice the jalapeños and finely chop the fresh ginger to prepare the ingredients for the pickling process.
  2. Make the pickling water: In a heavy-bottom pan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, white granulated sugar, black mustard seeds, chili flakes, salt, and chopped ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar completely.
  3. Add pineapple and jalapeños: Once the pickling water is boiling and sugar is dissolved, add the pineapple cubes and sliced jalapeños to the pot.
  4. Simmer the mixture: Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the ingredients to soften slightly while retaining their texture.
  5. Adjust sweetness: Taste the pineapple cowboy candy broth for sweetness. Add more sugar if desired and stir to dissolve.
  6. Cool and store: Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer the cooled pineapple cowboy candy into a clean, airtight jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator for use as a topping or condiment.

Notes

  • Use ripe pineapple for the best sweetness and flavor balance.
  • Adjust the amount of jalapeños and chili flakes to control the spiciness level to your preference.
  • Ensure the candy cools completely before sealing to prevent condensation and spoilage.
  • This condiment can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
  • Perfect as a topping on burgers, grilled meats, sandwiches, or cheese platters.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Condiments
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American