Steps by steps making Mojo Picante

During an unforgettable adventure to the Canary Islands, I experienced a culinary revelation that would forever change my appreciation for vibrant, bold flavors: Mojo Picante. This fiery sauce, a staple of Canarian cuisine, captivated my senses with its robust and zesty blend of sea salt, bell peppers, garlic, and various spices, all of which come together to create a tantalizing heat and complexity that’s impossible to forget. The richly colored bell peppers and coarse sea salt form the backbone of this piquant concoction, delivering a flavor that’s both earthy and invigorating.

Driven by a newfound passion, I dedicated myself to replicating Mojo Picante in my kitchen, endeavoring to capture the essence of the islands’ spirited culinary tradition. After much trial and experimentation, I succeeded in creating a version of the sauce that I felt did justice to the original, embodying the perfect balance of heat, tang, and depth that first enchanted me.

Now, it is with genuine excitement and pride that I share this Mojo Picante recipe with you. Whether drizzled over potatoes, accompanying rustic bread, or serving as a lively marinade, this sauce is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly extraordinary. Let this recipe be your gateway to exploring the vibrant tastes of the Canary Islands and a testament to the power of culinary discovery.

Mojo Picante Recipe

Mojo Picante

During a memorable journey to the Canary Islands, I was introduced to Mojo Picante, a fiery and flavorful sauce that captivates with its mix of sea salt, bell peppers, garlic, and spices, creating a distinctive heat and complexity. This culinary discovery sparked a passion for recreating the sauce at home, leading me to experiment until I crafted a version that truly honored the essence of the islands' vibrant cuisine. My successful recreation of Mojo Picante, balancing heat, tang, and depth, is now a cherished recipe I'm excited to share. This sauce, perfect for drizzling over potatoes, accompanying rustic bread, or as a marinade, embodies the simple yet extraordinary transformation of basic ingredients into a celebration of Canarian tastes, encouraging culinary exploration and discovery.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 19 minutes mins

Course Sauce

Cuisine Spanish

Servings 1

Calories 236 kcal

Equipment

• 1 blender
• 1 bowl

Ingredients

  

• 1 teaspoon of sea salt
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 1 tablespoon of cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 2 large red bell peppers

Instructions

 

• Add the sliced garlic, salts, cinnamon, pepper, and a splash of olive oil to a mortar and pestle.
• To create a paste, combine all of the ingredients in a blender.
• Toss in the chopped and seeded jalapenos, a little at a time, into the processor.
• Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
• Pour in the olive oil. Blend.
• Serve immediately in a bowl or keep refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to use.
• This will stay in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Keyword bell peppers, cumin powder, garlic, paprika

Cooking tips about Mojo Picante

• Selection of Ingredients: The foundation of an authentic Mojo Picante lies in its ingredients. Opt for fresh garlic, ripe bell peppers, and the best quality sea salt you can find. The choice of peppers and their color can influence the sauce’s final appearance and heat level, so select accordingly based on your preference for spiciness.
• Roasting the Peppers and Garlic: For an added depth of flavor, consider roasting the bell peppers and garlic before blending them. This step enhances the natural sweetness of the peppers and mellows the garlic’s sharpness, contributing to a more rounded sauce.
• Balancing Heat and Flavor: The essence of Mojo Picante is its piquant edge. If using chili peppers, start with a small amount and adjust according to taste. The goal is to achieve a balance where heat complements the sauce’s other flavors without overwhelming them.
• The Blend: Achieving the perfect texture for Mojo Picante is key. Use a blender or food processor to puree the ingredients to a smooth consistency, which should be neither too thin nor too thick. Add a little water or olive oil if needed to adjust the consistency.
• Acidity Balance: A splash of vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice not only adds a bright note to the sauce but also helps in preserving its vibrant color. Adjust the acidity to suit your taste, keeping in mind it should enhance the flavors rather than dominate them.
• Let It Rest: Once blended, let your Mojo Picante rest for at least an hour before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and intensify. Store it in the refrigerator if you’re not planning to serve it immediately, but bring it to room temperature before enjoying it to ensure the flavors are at their best.
• Serving Suggestions: Mojo Picante is incredibly versatile. While traditionally served with potatoes (papas arrugadas), it also makes a fantastic marinade for meats or a lively addition to sandwiches and salads. Its robust flavor can elevate simple ingredients to new culinary heights.
• Customization Is Key: Don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to your liking. The beauty of Mojo Picante lies in its adaptability. Play with different types of vinegar, add herbs like cilantro or parsley, or adjust the garlic quantity to create a sauce that’s uniquely yours.

Serving suggestions about Mojo Picante

• Papas Arrugadas (Wrinkled Potatoes): This is a traditional Canary Islands way of serving Mojo Picante. Boiled in saltwater and then baked until their skin wrinkles, these small potatoes become the perfect vessel for this sauce.
• Grilled Meat Marinade: Use Mojo Picante as a marinade for chicken, pork, or beef before grilling. The sauce imparts a robust flavor and spicy kick that enhances the natural flavors of the meat.
• Seafood Enhancer: Drizzle over grilled or pan-seared fish to add a punch of flavor. It pairs exceptionally well with white fish, providing a lively contrast to the delicate flavors.
• Vegetable Dip: Serve as a dipping sauce for raw vegetables or drizzle over roasted vegetables to spice up their taste. Its vibrant flavor can turn even the simplest veggie platter into an exciting appetizer.
• Sandwich Spread: Elevate your sandwiches or wraps by using Mojo Picante as a spread. It adds a spicy layer of complexity that works wonderfully with both meat-based and vegetarian options.
• Cheese Pairing: Use it as a condiment on a cheese board. Its spiciness contrasts wonderfully with creamy cheeses, offering an irresistible combination of flavors.
• Eggs: Whether you’re making scrambled eggs, omelets, or sunny-side-up, a spoonful of Mojo Picante can provide a delightful heat and make your breakfast or brunch more memorable.