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)

Split Pea Salad
Bowl with a vibrant mix of split peas, tomato and parsley.

Split Pea Salad

Tender split peas and fresh tomatoes and herbs make a light and tasty salad perfect for potlucks, BBQs and picnics!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Baked Oatmeal Cups
Plate of Baked Oatmeal Cups

Baked Oatmeal Cups

Oatmeal plus your choice of add-ins are baked into a muffin cup for an on-the-go breakfast or snack.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
12 muffins
Peachy Keen Flavored Water
Glasses of fruit flavored water with sage.

Peachy Keen Flavored Water

Enjoy the taste of summer in this refreshing flavored water.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
6 servings
Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Chicken
Bowl of noodles, broccoli and chicken with a light sauce and sesame seeds.

Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Chicken

Whole-wheat noodles with broccoli and a savory sesame sauce. The perfect meal any night of the week.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Pico de Gallo
Small bowl of diced tomato-based salsa.

Pico de Gallo

This salsa combines the fresh flavors of veggies, herbs and tangy citrus for the perfect dip or topper for a variety of dishes.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Rhubarb Muffins
Platter of muffins with small pink rhubarb pieces.

Rhubarb Muffins

Easy to make muffins with bites of sweet and tart rhubarb.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
12 muffins