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Salsa criolla
Salsa criolla: fresh Argentine relish of diced tomato, onion and peppers in vinegar and oil, for grilled food
Chimichurri gets the fame, but at a Sunday asado anywhere from Buenos Aires to Salta the other bowl on the table is salsa criolla: tomato, onion and red and green pepper cut into small, even dice, dressed with vinegar, oil, oregano and salt, and left to sit until the juices pool. It is spooned over steak, chorizo and provoleta, piled into choripán, and eaten with grilled vegetables, and it brings freshness and acid to rich, smoky food. Expect crunch, a clean sour note and a mild sweetness from the peppers. Chopping it all in a food processor is the mistake: it turns watery and pulpy, so take the time to dice by hand. Some cooks use only red onion, others add spring onion or a pinch of chilli; adjust to taste. Chef's tip: dress the onion with the vinegar and salt first for 10 minutes before adding the rest; it softens the raw bite without losing the crunch.
- Total time
- 15 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 6
Ingredients
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Method
0/4 doneStep 1: Put 1 onion in a bowl with 4 tbsp red or white wine vinegar and ¾ tsp salt, stir and leave to soften slightly.
10 minStep 2: Add 2 ripe firm tomatoes, 1 red pepper and ½ green pepper.
Step 3: Season with 1 tsp dried oregano, ¼ tsp black pepper and the chilli if using, pour in 6 tbsp sunflower or olive oil and stir well.
Step 4: Taste and adjust the salt and vinegar; it should taste bright and sharp. Leave to stand for at least 20 minutes (in the fridge in hot weather) and stir before serving. Best eaten the same day.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 110 kcal
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbs
- 4 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fibre
- 1 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does salsa criolla take?
- About 15 minutes in total.
- How many people does it serve?
- 6 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of onion?
- 2 shallots per onion.
- What can I use instead of red or white wine vinegar?
- Cider vinegar or rice vinegar, same amount.
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