Chipotle, Peanut and Sesame Seed Salsa

This nutty, spicy salsa with the tang of vinegar is from Veracruz, Mexico, where it’s called salsa macha. Use it to liven up roasted vegetables or grilled meats. It’s especially great on lamb chops and skirt steak, or even baked potatoes served with sour cream and cheese. The salsa lasts for a couple of weeks in the refrigerator; the solids will sink to the bottom, leaving a deeply flavored oil that can add a little muscle to sauces or a finishing touch to other dishes. You can use other nuts in place of the peanuts, or a mix of nuts and sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups olive oil
• ½ cup raw unsalted peanuts (or use pecans, hazelnuts or walnuts)
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 ounces dried chipotle chiles (1 1/2 to 2 cups), stemmed and seeded
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar, or to taste
• 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar

• Nutritional Information

  • • Nutritional analysis per serving (24 servings)

      152 calories; 15 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 10 grams monounsaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 3 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 1 gram sugars; 1 gram protein; 52 milligrams sodium

  Note: The information shown is DiningAndCooking.com’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

1. Heat the oil over medium heat in a 12-inch skillet until it is very hot but not smoking. Add the peanuts and garlic, then cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. The peanuts should just begin to turn color. Be careful to not let them scorch, which can happen quickly.
2. Add the sesame seeds and chiles, and continue to stir and fry for a minute or until the chiles are lightly toasted.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the contents, including all of the oil, to a food processor or blender. Add the salt, sugar and vinegar, and blend until almost smooth. (The salsa should be uniform but have a little texture to it.)
4. Pour into a container and let cool. Refrigerate the salsa if you are not using it the day you make it.