Ecuadorian Salsa
Ecuadorian Salsa Recipe - Authentic Vegetarian Delight
Introduction
Ecuadorian Salsa is a vibrant and flavorful condiment that adds a burst of freshness to any dish. This zesty salsa is made with a combination of diced raw carrots, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, lime, and chili peppers for a spicy kick.
History
Ecuadorian Salsa, also known as "aji criollo," has been a staple in Ecuadorian cuisine for generations. This traditional salsa is often served alongside grilled meats, rice dishes, and empanadas to add a pop of flavor.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup diced raw carrots
- 0.25 cup diced bell pepper (preferably red)
- 0.25 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium-sized juicy tomatoes, deseeded and chopped (Avoid using Italian tomatoes as they tend to be too dry)
- 1 garlic clove
- juice of 0.5 lime
- 10 – 15 sprigs cilantro (leaves only)
- salt and chili peppers to taste
How to prepare
- Combine all the ingredients listed above in a bowl.
Variations
- For a sweeter salsa, add diced mango or pineapple to the mix. You can also experiment with different types of chili peppers for varying levels of heat.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
For a milder salsa, remove the seeds and membranes from the chili peppers before adding them to the mix. You can also adjust the amount of chili peppers to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ecuadorian Salsa alongside grilled meats, rice dishes, empanadas, or as a topping for tacos and burritos.
Cooking Techniques
To enhance the flavors of the salsa, let it sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the ingredients to meld together.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead. You can also substitute the fresh cilantro with dried cilantro if needed.
Make Ahead Tips
Ecuadorian Salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the salsa in a colorful bowl and garnish with additional cilantro leaves for a vibrant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Ecuadorian Salsa with grilled chicken, steak, fish, or as a topping for tacos and burritos. It also pairs well with rice dishes and empanadas.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply let the salsa come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 30 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 6g per serving
Fats
Fats: 0.5g per serving
Proteins
Proteins: 1g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This salsa is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium, thanks to the fresh vegetables used in the recipe.
Alergens
This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free.
Summary
Ecuadorian Salsa is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense condiment that adds a burst of flavor to any dish.
Summary
Ecuadorian Salsa is a versatile and flavorful condiment that adds a burst of freshness to any dish. With its combination of fresh vegetables and zesty flavors, this salsa is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
How did I get this recipe?
I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Ecuadorian Salsa. It was many years ago, when I was a young woman eager to learn new things and expand my culinary skills. I had always been fascinated by different cultures and their unique cuisines, so when I stumbled upon this recipe in an old cookbook at a thrift store, I knew I had to give it a try.
The recipe called for simple ingredients like tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapenos, and lime juice, but the combination of flavors sounded so intriguing to me. I had never tried Ecuadorian cuisine before, so I was excited to see how this salsa would turn out.
I followed the instructions carefully, chopping the tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos into small pieces and mixing them together in a bowl. The smell of the fresh ingredients filled my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. I added the cilantro and lime juice, tasting as I went along to make sure the flavors were balanced just right.
When I finally took a bite of the finished salsa, I was blown away by how delicious it was. The tomatoes were juicy and sweet, the onions added a sharpness, and the jalapenos gave it a nice kick of heat. The cilantro and lime juice brought everything together, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.
I couldn't wait to share this salsa with my family and friends. I served it at a dinner party that weekend, alongside some homemade tortilla chips, and everyone raved about how tasty it was. They couldn't believe I had made it myself, and they begged me for the recipe.
From that moment on, Ecuadorian Salsa became a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I made it for every gathering, potluck, and barbecue, and it was always a hit. People would ask me where I learned to make such a delicious salsa, and I would proudly tell them about the old cookbook I had found and the journey it had taken me on.
As the years went by, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it even better. Sometimes I would roast the tomatoes and jalapenos for a smoky flavor, or add pineapple for a touch of sweetness. Other times I would throw in some avocado for creaminess, or black beans for protein.
No matter how I changed it up, the essence of the Ecuadorian Salsa remained the same. It was a dish that brought people together, that sparked conversations and created memories. It was a taste of a faraway land that I had never been to, but that I felt connected to through this simple yet flavorful recipe.
Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, preparing a batch of Ecuadorian Salsa for my grandchildren, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that led me to this recipe. It has brought me joy, satisfaction, and a sense of connection to a culture that is so different from my own.
I hope that one day, my grandchildren will look back on this recipe with fondness, just as I do. I hope that they will carry on the tradition of making Ecuadorian Salsa, sharing it with their own friends and family, and passing it down to future generations.
And as I take a bite of the salsa, savoring the familiar flavors that I have come to love so much, I can't help but smile. This recipe may have come from a thrift store cookbook, but to me, it is a priceless treasure that will always hold a special place in my heart.
Categories
| Carrot Recipes | Cilantro Recipes | Ecuadorian Recipes | Ecuadorian Vegetarian | Fresh Chile Pepper Recipes | Garlic Recipes | Lime Juice Recipes | Onion Recipes | Red Bell Pepper Recipes | Salsa Recipes | Tomato Recipes |