Charred Habanero Salsa
- MakesMakes about ½ cup
- Cook Time30 minutes
- 1
This salsa, known as salsa de habanero tatemado, is made with only four ingredients (not including the water and salt), but its flavor is amazingly complex—at once fruity, spicy, bitter, tangy and subtly sweet—owing mostly to the intense charring (scorching, really) of the chilies and alliums. The deep char also makes the salsa black in color. (Charring takes place on the stovetop, so you may wish to turn on the hood and/or open a window during cooking.) We adapted the recipe taught to us by Josefina López Méndez, chef at Chapulín restaurant in Mexico City. The habaneros are kept whole for easier turning; for heat seekers, after charring, before blending, leave the seeds in all of the chilies, but for more timid palates, consider removing some or all of the seeds. Just a little of this fiery salsa goes a long way, so add it judiciously.
Step 1
Heat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high until water flicked onto the surface immediately sizzles and evaporates.
Add the chilies, garlic and onion; cook, occasionally turning each item, until completely blackened, about 20 minutes. If charring at different rates, transfer each item to a plate when done.
The chilies and garlic cloves should be softened and the onions should be crisp. Set aside until cool enough to handle.
Step 2
Peel the garlic. Trim off and discard the stems from the habaneros; if desired, seed some or all of the chilies.
In a blender, combine the garlic, chilies, onion, lime juice, ¼ cup water and ¼ teaspoon salt. Process until almost smooth, about 15 seconds, scraping the blender jar as needed.
Taste and season with salt. If serving right away, transfer to a small bowl; if storing, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
