Mojo Sauce

Authentic Mojo Sauce Recipe from Spain

Region / culture: Spain | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mojo sauce is a tangy and flavorful sauce that originated in the Canary Islands. It is typically made with garlic, olive oil, citrus juices, and spices. This versatile sauce can be used as a marinade, dipping sauce, or drizzled over grilled meats and vegetables.

History

Mojo sauce has been a staple in Canarian cuisine for centuries. The sauce is believed to have been influenced by the island's Spanish, African, and Latin American roots. It is traditionally served with a variety of dishes, including grilled fish, potatoes, and meats.

Ingredients

16 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced lengthwise
1 cup of finely slivered onion
1 tsp of ground cumin
1 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups of fresh orange juice (from 3 or 4 oranges)
0.5 cup of fresh lime juice (from 2 or 3 limes)
2 tbsp of white wine vinegar
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to prepare

In a medium bowl, combine garlic, onion, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over low heat.
Add the onion mixture and cook, stirring, until softened, for about 10 minutes.
Add the orange juice, lime juice, and vinegar, and cook for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

Variations

Add chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh herb flavor.
Use different citrus juices, such as grapefruit or lemon, for a unique twist.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to slice the garlic thinly to ensure it cooks evenly and releases its flavor.

- Use fresh citrus juices for the best flavor.

- Adjust the amount of garlic and spices to suit your taste preferences.

- Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

Serve mojo sauce with grilled fish, chicken, or vegetables. It also pairs well with rice or potatoes.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the onion and garlic mixture slowly to develop their flavors.

- Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use lemon juice instead of lime juice if preferred.

- Substitute red wine vinegar for white wine vinegar if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make mojo sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve mojo sauce in a small bowl or drizzle it over your dish for a colorful and flavorful garnish.

Pairing Recommendations

Mojo sauce pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables. It also complements rice, potatoes, and salads.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover mojo sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of mojo sauce contains approximately 220 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of mojo sauce contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of mojo sauce contains approximately 22 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of mojo sauce contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Mojo sauce is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the citrus juices used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains garlic and onion, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Mojo sauce is a flavorful condiment that is relatively low in carbohydrates and protein, but higher in fats. It is a good source of vitamin C.

Summary

Mojo sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment that adds a zesty kick to a variety of dishes. With its blend of garlic, citrus juices, and spices, this sauce is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her charming little village in Spain. Maria was known for her incredible cooking skills, and she had promised to teach me how to make one of her most prized recipes - Mojo Sauce.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the delicious smells of spices and herbs, Maria began to tell me the story behind the sauce. She explained that Mojo Sauce was a traditional Spanish condiment that was often served with grilled meats, fish, and vegetables. It was a versatile sauce that could be made in many different ways, but Maria's version was said to be the best in the entire village.

Maria told me that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She explained that the key to making the perfect Mojo Sauce was to use fresh ingredients and to take your time with each step of the process. As she spoke, I could see the passion and love that she had for this recipe, and I knew that I was about to learn something truly special.

We began by gathering all of the ingredients - fresh garlic, ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and the most important ingredient of all, the spicy peppers that would give the sauce its signature kick. Maria showed me how to chop and mince the ingredients, explaining that each one had to be prepared in a specific way to achieve the perfect flavor and texture.

As we cooked the sauce, Maria shared with me the memories that she had of making Mojo Sauce with her grandmother when she was a young girl. She spoke of the laughter and joy that they had shared in the kitchen, and of the delicious meals that they had eaten together. It was clear to me that this recipe was more than just a sauce - it was a connection to her past and to her family.

After hours of simmering and stirring, the Mojo Sauce was finally ready. Maria poured it into a jar and handed it to me with a smile. She told me that now it was my turn to carry on the tradition, to share this recipe with my own family and friends, and to keep the spirit of the sauce alive for generations to come.

I returned home with the jar of Mojo Sauce clutched tightly in my hands, eager to share my newfound knowledge with my own family. I made a delicious meal of grilled chicken and vegetables, drizzling the sauce over everything and watching as my loved ones savored every bite. The sauce was a hit, and everyone begged me to teach them how to make it themselves.

And so, I began to pass on the recipe for Mojo Sauce, just as Maria had passed it on to me. I taught my children and grandchildren how to make it, sharing with them the stories and memories that had been shared with me. I watched as they cooked and laughed together, just as Maria and I had done in her kitchen that warm summer day.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the smells of garlic and tomatoes, I am filled with gratitude for the recipe that Maria shared with me. It is a recipe that has brought my family closer together, that has connected us to our past, and that has brought joy and delicious meals to our table for years to come. And as I pour the Mojo Sauce into a jar and hand it to my granddaughter, I know that the tradition will continue, that the sauce will live on, and that the memories of that warm summer day in Spain will never fade.