This Salsa de Cacahuate Recipe is a unique variation of traditional Mexican salsas, known for its rich and nutty flavors. With the creamy goodness of peanuts and the zing of chili peppers, this salsa is a delightful blend of textures and tastes.
Table of Contents
What is Salsa de Cacahuate?
Salsa de Cacahuate translates to “peanut sauce” in English. It’s a salsa that deviates from the norm by incorporating roasted peanuts as a key ingredient.
This distinctive choice gives the salsa a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor that sets it apart from traditional salsas.
This Salsa de Cacahuate Recipe distinguishes itself by its use of peanuts and peanut butter. While traditional salsas often feature tomatoes, peppers, and onions as primary ingredients, this salsa incorporates roasted peanuts and the creaminess of peanut butter. The result is a velvety texture and a unique flavor profile that combines the earthiness of peanuts with the smokiness of dried ancho chili peppers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
- 2-3 dried ancho chili peppers, seeds and stems removed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
Instructions
- Begin by rehydrating the dried ancho chili peppers. Place them in a bowl of hot water and let them soak for about 10 minutes until they become pliable.
- While the chili peppers are soaking, add the roasted peanuts to a food processor and pulse until finely ground.
- Drain the rehydrated chili peppers and add them to the food processor along with the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, diced onion, and peanut butter.
- Squeeze in the lime juice and add a pinch of salt to taste.
- Blend all the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Expert Tips
For an extra layer of smokiness and complexity, consider toasting the dried ancho chili peppers in a dry skillet for a minute or two before rehydrating them. This enhances their flavor and adds depth to your Salsa de Cacahuate.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy Salsa de Cacahuate as a dip for tortilla chips or as a topping for beef or pork tacos. Its creamy texture and nutty undertones make it a versatile addition to many dishes.
Storage
Keep your Salsa de Cacahuate refrigerated in an airtight container. It can typically last for a few days, although it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Alternatives
Mole is a traditional Mexican sauce that comes in various regional variations, and some types of mole do include peanuts or peanut butter as one of their ingredients.
Mole sauces typically combine a variety of ingredients such as chili peppers, chocolate, spices, nuts (including peanuts or almonds), and sometimes fruits like plantains or raisins. This dish features mole: Tacos de Res en Mole (Beef Tacos & Mole)
Conclusion
This Salsa de Cacahuate Recipe is a unique variation of traditional Mexican salsas, known for its rich and nutty flavors. With the creamy goodness of peanuts, peanut butter, and the zing of chili peppers, this salsa is a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Whether you’re a salsa aficionado or a newbie, the allure of Salsa de Cacahuate Recipe is irresistible.
