Chilean Salsa
Chilean Salsa Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Chile
Introduction
Chilean salsa, also known as pebre, is a traditional Chilean condiment that is bursting with flavor. This fresh and vibrant salsa is the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, seafood, or even as a dip for tortilla chips.
History
Chilean salsa has been a staple in Chilean cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated from the indigenous Mapuche people of Chile, who used a similar mixture of ingredients to flavor their dishes. Over time, the recipe has evolved and adapted to include a variety of ingredients, making it a versatile and delicious addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 6 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 2 green serrano chilies or jalapeno chiles, seeded and chopped (I use one of each)
- 1.5 tsp of sea salt or kosher salt
- 6 medium ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
- 1 cup finely chopped sweet spanish onions or vidalia onions
- 1 tbsp minced fresh cilantro
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano
- 0.25-0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
How to prepare
- Using a mortar and pestle, crush the garlic, chile peppers, and salt until they form a paste.
- Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl.
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir well to combine.
- Store in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
Variations
- Add diced avocado for a creamy texture.
- Mix in chopped mango or pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Substitute red wine vinegar with lime juice for a citrusy flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno peppers to suit your spice preference.
- For a smoother salsa, blend the ingredients in a food processor instead of chopping them by hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chilean salsa with grilled meats, seafood, or as a dip for tortilla chips.
Cooking Techniques
Use a mortar and pestle to crush the garlic and chile peppers for a traditional texture.
- Refrigerate the salsa for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use red onion instead of vidalia onion for a sharper flavor.
- Substitute fresh cilantro with parsley or mint for a different herbaceous note.
Make Ahead Tips
Chilean salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Chilean salsa in a colorful bowl garnished with fresh cilantro leaves for a vibrant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Chilean salsa pairs well with grilled steak, roasted chicken, or grilled shrimp.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Chilean salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Chilean salsa contains approximately 80 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Chilean salsa contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Chilean salsa contains approximately 7 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Chilean salsa contains approximately 1 gram of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Chilean salsa is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and folate.
Alergens
Chilean salsa may contain allergens such as garlic and onions.
Summary
Chilean salsa is a low-calorie condiment that is packed with flavor and nutrients.
Summary
Chilean salsa is a versatile and flavorful condiment that adds a burst of freshness to any dish. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this salsa is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a sunny day in Santiago, Chile, and I was wandering through the bustling market, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant city. As I passed by a small food stall, I caught a whiff of a tantalizing aroma that made my mouth water.
Intrigued, I approached the stall and saw a elderly woman deftly chopping vegetables and mixing them together in a large bowl. When I asked her what she was making, she smiled warmly and replied, "Chilean Salsa, a traditional recipe that has been in my family for generations."
I watched as she added fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a hint of chili pepper to the bowl, along with a generous squeeze of lime juice. She mixed everything together with a wooden spoon, the vibrant colors and fragrant smells blending together in a tantalizing dance.
As she handed me a small spoonful to taste, I was blown away by the explosion of flavors on my tongue. The salsa was tangy, spicy, and refreshing all at once, a perfect balance of heat and acidity that left me craving more.
I begged the woman for the recipe, and she graciously agreed to share it with me. She explained each step in detail, from selecting the ripest tomatoes to finely chopping the cilantro, emphasizing the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients to achieve the best flavor.
Armed with this newfound knowledge, I rushed back to my small apartment and set to work recreating the salsa. I carefully followed the woman's instructions, taking my time to chop the vegetables just so and mix them together with a gentle hand.
When I finally tasted the finished product, I was transported back to that bustling market in Santiago. The salsa was a perfect replica of the one I had tried earlier, a symphony of flavors that danced on my tongue and left me craving more.
From that moment on, Chilean Salsa became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and lazy Sunday afternoons, each batch a labor of love that brought a taste of Chile to my kitchen.
Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a dash of this or a pinch of that to suit my own tastes. But no matter how many times I make it, the salsa always brings me back to that sunny day in Santiago, when I discovered a culinary treasure that would become a beloved part of my cooking repertoire.
To this day, whenever I whip up a batch of Chilean Salsa, I can't help but smile as I remember the kind woman who shared her family recipe with me. Her generosity and warmth have stayed with me all these years, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.
And so, as I sit down to enjoy a bowl of salsa with a basket of warm tortilla chips, I raise a toast to that woman in the market, who unknowingly sparked a culinary journey that has enriched my life in countless ways. Cheers to her, and to the magic of food that transcends borders and brings us closer together, one delicious bite at a time.
Categories
| Chilean Appetizers | Chilean Recipes | Chilean Vegetarian | Jalapeno Pepper Recipes | Red Wine Recipes | Salsa Recipes | Serrano Pepper Recipes | Tomato Recipes |