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
Like tiny tomato galettes and chimichurri grilled shrimp.
Like swordfish steaks with tomatoes and Peruvian-style tofu.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
The secret to juicy grilled chicken, a sheet-cake swap for banana pudding, and more reasons to light up the grill and have people over all summer long.
We’ve got grilled lemongrass chicken, a fresh tomato michelada, and stonefruit salami panzanella.
From Italian wedding soup with escarole to green smoothies with kale.
Like potato-cheddar samosas, Egyptian bread pudding, and a super-fancy (extremely easy) pear tart.
A mix of turmeric, ginger, and milk thistle in Dose for Your Liver purports to support your liver health—but what does the research say?