Salsa de Perro: A Spicy Yucatecan Delicacy
What’s in a Name?
Salsa de Perro, which translates to “hot as a dog’s nose,” is a traditional Yucatecan salsa that packs a punch. This recipe is a carefully crafted blend of flavors, inspired by well-known Mexican cookbook authors.
A Flavorful Recipe
This easy-to-make salsa yields about two cups and requires only 10 minutes of active preparation time. With a total preparation time of two hours, you’ll have plenty of time to relax while the flavors meld together.
Gather Your Ingredients
To make this salsa, you’ll need:
- 2 habanero chiles
- 2 ripe medium tomatoes
- 1/2 cup minced red onion
- 1/4 cup bitter (Seville) orange juice or citrus blend
- A pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- 1 roasted orange or yellow bell pepper (optional)
A Word of Caution
When handling habanero chiles, be sure to remove the seeds unless you prefer an even spicier salsa. Wear gloves or wash your hands thoroughly with liquid soap to avoid any discomfort.
Citrus Blend Alternative
If you can’t find sour oranges or their juice, mix the juice of one grapefruit, one sweet orange, and one lime. You can use the leftover juice to make pickled red onions, another Yucatecan specialty!
Blending the Flavors
Combine all ingredients, leaving a bit of texture for added depth. The roasted bell pepper adds a pop of color, smooths out the texture, and slightly reduces the habanero heat. Feel free to add another habanero for an extra kick!
Let the Flavors Mingle
Allow the salsa to sit for a few hours, enabling the flavors to blend together perfectly. Serve with your preferred pibil dish and enjoy the bold flavors of Salsa de Perro!
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