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)

Black Bean Brownies (without flour)
Black bean brownies on a plate.

Black Bean Brownies (without flour)

Black beans are the special ingredient in these moist and not-too-sweet brownies.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
25 minutes
Makes:
16 pieces
Rice Bowl Southwestern Style
Bowls of rice, vegetables and chicken with shredded cheese.

Rice Bowl Southwestern Style

Lots of filling grains, healthy veggies and southwestern flavor make this a meal to enjoy any time of day.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Peanut Protein Smoothie for Two
Glasses of creamy smoothies.

Peanut Protein Smoothie for Two

Creamy and satisfying protein-packed smoothie perfect for breakfast and on-the-go.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Greens with Carrots
Plate of kale and carrot strips with dressing.

Greens with Carrots

A fresh and crunchy salad using your favorite greens.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Whole-Wheat Yogurt Rolls
Platter of golden whole-wheat rolls.

Whole-Wheat Yogurt Rolls

These warm and toasty rolls are ready in 30 minutes with only 4 ingredients.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
10 Rolls
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