Skip to main content

Charred Habanero Salsa

3.4

(7)

The habanero, reputedly the "hottest chile in the world" has a complex, citrusy aroma and flavor. This salsa from the Yucatan is a classic accompaniment to meat and seafood cooked in an achiote recado a brick-red paste made with achiote, or annatto, seeds.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 1 cup

Ingredients

3 plum tomatoes
1/2 to 3 fresh habanero chiles*
1/4 cup water
1/8 teaspoon coarse salt, or to taste
*Available at Mexican markets, specialty produce markets, and some supermarkets.

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat a dry comal or flat iron griddle over moderately low heat until hot and pan-roast tomatoes and habaneros, turning them occasionally to ensure even roasting, until browned and soft throughout, 25 to 30 minutes. Discard tomato stems and wearing rubber gloves, stem and seed chiles.

    Step 2

    In a blender purée tomatoes, chiles, water, and salt until smooth. (Salsa may be made 10 hours ahead and chilled, covered. Bring salsa to room temperature before serving.)

La Parilla: The Mexican Grill, published by Chronicle Books.
Read More
We’ve got baked cheddar and leek pasta, maple-mustard sheet-pan salmon, and a strawberry shortcake roll.
The golden, crunchy corners are worth fighting over.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like spicy carrot rigatoni and weeknight-fancy ravioli with peas.
A veg-forward main or gets-along-with-everyone side.
Thinly sliced and cooked hot and fast, pork tenderloin is the juicy, cook-quicking weeknight champion of this vegetable-heavy stir-fry.
Not stuffed shells. But not not stuffed shells either.