Salsa De Molcajete Picosa
Salsa De Molcajete Picosa, or spicy molcajete salsa, is a vibrant and traditional Mexican condiment known for its bold flavors and fiery kick. Made with a variety of fresh chilies, tomatoes, garlic, and onion, this salsa captures the essence of authentic Mexican cuisine.
The ingredients are charred to perfection to enhance their natural sweetness and depth of flavor, then ground in a molcajete (traditional Mexican mortar and pestle) to achieve a rustic texture that elevates any dish.
Whether enjoyed as a dip with tortilla chips or paired with tacos, this homemade salsa promises to add a zesty punch to your culinary creations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Authentic Experience: The use of a molcajete (a traditional stone mortar and pestle) creates a rustic, authentic texture and enhances the flavors, giving the salsa a richer, deeper taste compared to a blender.
Flavor Complexity: Roasting the ingredients—tomatoes, serranos, chiles manzano, jalapeños, garlic, and onion—adds a smoky depth that makes this salsa stand out. The slight char intensifies the natural flavors, making every bite exciting.
Customizable Heat: The combination of serranos, jalapeños, and chile manzano allows you to adjust the heat level to your liking. It’s a spicy treat for heat lovers, with the option to tone it down by controlling the amount of each chili used.
Fresh and Vibrant: The roasted ingredients maintain their freshness and vibrancy, with the tomatoes adding a refreshing juiciness that balances out the heat of the chiles.
Simple and Versatile: With just a handful of ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, this salsa can complement a variety of dishes—tacos, grilled meats, eggs, or even chips. It’s a versatile condiment that enhances almost any meal.
Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of serranos, chiles manzano, and garlic brings a unique flavor profile that’s hard to replicate with store-bought salsa. It’s the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and tangy, with a slight smokiness that sets it apart.
Customizable Texture: Whether you like your salsa chunky or smooth, you can easily control the texture by adjusting how much you grind the ingredients. Plus, if it’s too thick, a splash of water can help you reach your desired consistency.
Key Ingredients:
Tomatoes: Provides a juicy, fresh base with a natural sweetness.
Serrano chiles: Adds a bright, sharp heat for a spicy kick.
Chile manzano: Brings a unique, fruity heat with a hint of smokiness.
Jalapeños: Offers a milder, but still bold heat.
Garlic cloves: Infuses the salsa with a rich, aromatic flavor.
Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when roasted.
Kosher salt: Enhances and balances all the bold flavors.
Salsa De Molcajete Picosa
Ingredients:
4 tomatoes
7 serranos
1 chile manzano
3 jalapeños
3 garlic cloves
1/8 piece of yellow onion
Kosher salt to taste
Instructions:
Roast\Char everything making sure not to burn the garlic or it will be bitter.
Once everything is soft add garlic and onion to the molcajete and grind well.
Add chiles and repeat finally add tomatoes mash up everything well add salt and done.
If it’s to thick for your liking add a couple tbsps of water.
*** If you do not have a molcajete use a blender***
Enjoy !!
Notes:
Ingredient Selection: The recipe uses a combination of tomatoes, serranos, chile manzano, jalapeños, garlic, and onion. These ingredients are key to achieving a balanced and spicy salsa with depth of flavor.
Roasting Technique: Roasting or charring the vegetables is crucial as it enhances their natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor to the salsa. Care should be taken not to burn the garlic, as it can impart a bitter taste.
Using a Molcajete: Traditionally, a molcajete (a Mexican mortar and pestle made from volcanic rock) is used to grind and combine the ingredients. This method not only blends the flavors but also creates a rustic texture that is characteristic of molcajete salsas.
Adjusting Consistency: Depending on personal preference, you can adjust the thickness of the salsa by adding a few tablespoons of water if it turns out too thick after blending or grinding.
Alternative Method: If a molcajete is not available, a blender can be used as an alternative. This may result in a smoother texture compared to the traditional method but will still deliver a flavorful salsa.
Serving and Enjoyment: Salsa De Molcajete Picosa is versatile and can be enjoyed with various dishes such as tacos, quesadillas, or simply as a dip with tortilla chips. It’s best enjoyed fresh to savor the vibrant flavors of the roasted vegetables and spicy chilies.
Adjusting Heat: The spiciness of the salsa can be adjusted by varying the amount of chilies used or by removing seeds and membranes from the peppers, which reduces their heat level.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 116 kcal | Total Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: Varies | Total Carbohydrates: 25g | Dietary Fiber: 7g | Sugars: 12g | Protein: 5g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I adjust the spiciness level of the salsa?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness level according to your preference.
If you prefer a milder salsa, you can reduce the number of serranos, chile manzano, and jalapeños or you can remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers before adding them.
Conversely, if you want it spicier, leave the seeds and membranes intact or even add extra hot peppers.
Can I use a blender or food processor instead of a molcajete?
Yes, if you don’t have a molcajete, you can use a blender or food processor to make the salsa.
Simply blend all the ingredients until you achieve your desired consistency.
Is it necessary to use a molcajete, or can I use a different tool?
While using a molcajete adds a traditional touch to the preparation, you can still make the salsa using alternative tools.
A mortar and pestle or even a food processor can be used to grind and blend the ingredients to achieve a similar texture.
Can I use a different type of onion instead of yellow onion?
Yes, you can use other types of onions if you prefer.
White onion or red onion can be good alternatives to yellow onion.
Feel free to experiment with different varieties to suit your taste preferences.
Can I roast the ingredients in the oven instead of charring them?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to an open flame or prefer an oven-roasting method, you can place the tomatoes, chiles, garlic, and onion on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven at a high temperature until they soften and develop a charred appearance.
How long will this salsa stay fresh?
Homemade salsa can typically stay fresh for 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
However, it’s always best to use your judgment and check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.
Can I add other ingredients to customize the salsa?
Absolutely! Salsa recipes can be quite versatile.
You can experiment with additional ingredients like cilantro, lime juice, or even fruits like mango or pineapple to add unique flavors and textures to the salsa.
How long does the salsa stay fresh, and how should I store it?
The salsa can typically stay fresh for 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to cool it down before storing.
If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or mold, discard it.
What are some serving suggestions for Salsa De Molcajete Picosa?
This spicy salsa can be enjoyed in various ways.
It works well as a dip for tortilla chips, a topping for tacos, quesadillas, or grilled meats, or even as a flavorful condiment for sandwiches and burgers.