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)

Whole-Wheat Bread in a Bag
Slices of whole-wheat and oat bread.

Whole-Wheat Bread in a Bag

Enjoy this fun and unique way to make warm whole-wheat yeast bread. Kids will love mixing and kneading the dough in a bag.
Prepare:
2 ½ to 3 hours
Cook:
30 to 40 minutes
Makes:
16 slices
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
Overnight Oats for One
Ceramic bowl with creamy oatmeal topped with raspberries and blueberries.

Overnight Oats for One

Quick and easy make-ahead breakfast recipe for one person. Change it up with your favorite yogurt and fruit.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
1 serving
Low-Fat Pumpkin Bread
Platter of sliced pumpkin bread.

Low-Fat Pumpkin Bread

This pumpkin bread is a seasonal favorite, sweetened with applesauce and brown sugar.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
60 minutes
Makes:
16 slices
Atole
cup of atole

Atole

This version of a traditional Mexican drink made with corn flour is warm and satisfying.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
30 to 40 minutes
Makes:
2 servings
Fish Salad
Plates with cabbage and vegetables below a fish, ranch and salsa topping.

Fish Salad

Fresh combination of vegetables, fish fillet and creamy ranch.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups