Skip to main content

Salsa Macha

You will love this pepper-infused oil made with hot peppers, garlic and peanuts. It is delicious drizzled on just about anything and stores well in your refrigerator or freezer.
Bowl of thin red salsa shown drizzled over chicken and vegetables.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Makes: 1 ½ cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

15 dried arbol peppers, stem and seeds removed
2 dried morita peppers or chipotle peppers, stem and seeds removed (see Notes)
1 cup vegetable oil, divided
10 cloves garlic, chopped
½ cup raw unsalted peanuts
2 Tablespoons raw unsalted sunflower seed kernels (optional)
1 Tablespoon sesame seeds
1 Tablespoon vinegar (white or apple cider)
¼ teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Heat ½ cup oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. When just hot, add garlic and stir until golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. 
  3. Transfer the garlic oil to a bowl and set aside.
  4. Heat the other ½ cup oil in the skillet over medium heat. When just hot, add the hot peppers and stir often for about 2 minutes or until the color begins to change. Do not overcook.
  5. Add the mixture to the bowl with the garlic oil and set aside.
  6. In the same skillet on medium heat, add the peanuts and sunflower seeds, if desired. Stir for about 2 minutes then transfer to the bowl with garlic and chiles.
  7. When cool enough to handle safely, transfer the oil mixture to a blender. Add sesame seeds, vinegar and salt. Blend on high speed until smooth.
  8. Cool mixture to room temperature. Refrigerate in a container for 1 month or freeze for up to 2 months.

Notes

  • No dried morita or chipotle peppers? You can use 2 chipotle peppers canned in adobo sauce. Add to the blender in step 7.
  • Drizzle on tacos, quesadillas, grilled meats, vegetables and omelets.
  • Try using different dried hot peppers for the flavor you like.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Savory Sweet Potatoes
Heavily seasoned cubed sweet potatoes.

Savory Sweet Potatoes

A sweet and savory dish with hearty sweet potatoes and Italian seasonings. Ready in under an hour.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
2 ½ cups
Rhubarb Blueberry Crisp
Bowl of baked rhubarb and blueberries with a crumbly oat topping.

Rhubarb Blueberry Crisp

Rhubarb and blueberries with a crunchy oatmeal topping makes a delicious fruit dessert.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
4 ½ cups
Applesauce French Toast
Slices of french toast cooked with applesauce, vanilla and cinnamon are displayed on a plate.

Applesauce French Toast

A low-sugar and flavorful French toast recipe that’s perfect with your favorite toppings!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 Slices
Bulgur Pilaf
Mix of bulgur with savory vegetables is displayed in a serving dish.

Bulgur Pilaf

A warm and comforting meal combining whole grains and savory broth to make a simple, yet tasty side dish.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Plate of diced pineapple, vegetables and chicken served with rice.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet pineapple, chicken, vegetables and a savory sauce are combined to make a delicious meal for any night of the week.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Zucchini Stir-Fry
Small bowl with a tender zucchini and vegetable mix.

Zucchini Stir-Fry

Fast veggie stir-fry with lots of umami flavor. Ready in less than 30 minutes!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 cups