Best 3 Salsa Criolla Recipes

## Salsa Criolla: A Refreshing and Versatile South American Condiment

Salsa criolla is a vibrant and refreshing condiment that originated in South America, particularly in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Peru. It is a versatile sauce that is commonly served alongside grilled meats, empanadas, choripán, and other popular street foods. This zesty salsa is characterized by its fresh, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile. Made with a combination of finely chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and parsley, salsa criolla adds a burst of flavor and color to any dish.

This article provides three delicious variations of salsa criolla: the classic Argentinean recipe, a spicy Peruvian version, and a refreshing Chilean twist. Each recipe offers a unique take on this beloved condiment, catering to different taste preferences and culinary traditions. Whether you prefer a mild or spicy salsa, or you're looking for a vegan or gluten-free option, these recipes have got you covered.

1. **Classic Argentinean Salsa Criolla**: This traditional recipe is a staple in Argentinean cuisine. It combines ripe tomatoes, white onions, parsley, and cilantro, seasoned with a touch of olive oil, vinegar, and salt. Its balanced flavors make it an ideal accompaniment to grilled meats, empanadas, and choripán.

2. **Spicy Peruvian Salsa Criolla**: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, this Peruvian variation of salsa criolla is sure to satisfy. It features aji limo peppers, red onions, cilantro, and mint, along with a splash of lime juice and aji amarillo paste. Its vibrant color and spicy kick make it a perfect match for grilled chicken, fish, and ceviche.

3. **Refreshing Chilean Salsa Criolla**: This Chilean version of salsa criolla is known for its refreshing and herbaceous flavor. It incorporates tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, and merkén, a traditional Chilean spice blend made from smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander. Its smoky and slightly sweet notes complement grilled vegetables, seafood, and empanadas beautifully.

Whether you're a fan of classic flavors or prefer a more adventurous palate, these three recipes of salsa criolla offer a delightful range of options to enhance your culinary creations. So, gather your fresh ingredients, grab your cutting board, and let's embark on a flavorful journey through the vibrant world of salsa criolla!

Let's cook with our recipes!

SALSA CRIOLLA

Salsa Criolla image

My family piles this versatile relish on sandwiches, chicken and even enchiladas! Prepare it the night before your party to avoid last-minute prep...and the let the flavors blend..

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 20m

Yield 3 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 large sweet onion, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk the lemon juice, oil, sugar, salt and pepper. Pour over onion mixture; toss to coat. Refrigerate until chilled. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 28 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 139mg sodium, Carbohydrate 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SALSA CRIOLLA

Salsa Criolla image

Categories Condiment/Spread Onion Tomato Vegetarian Quick & Easy Summer Gourmet

Yield Makes about 1 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 large tomato
1/2 cup finely chopped sweet onion
1/4 red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1/4 cup)
1 scallion, chopped
1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons olive or safflower oil
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

Cut an X in bottom of tomato with sharp paring knife and blanch tomato in 3-quart saucepan of boiling water 10 seconds. Transfer tomato with a slotted spoon into a bowl of ice and cold water and cool. Peel off skin with paring knife and discard. Halve tomato crosswise and seed it, then cut into 1/4 inch dice.
Stir together tomato and remaining ingredients. Season salsa with additional salt and pepper if desired.

SEAFOOD STEW WITH RICE AND SALSA CRIOLLA (ARROZ CON MARISCOS)

Seafood Stew with Rice and Salsa Criolla (Arroz con Mariscos) image

Provided by Food Network

Categories main-dish

Time 1h25m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 25

Ingredients

1 yellow bell pepper, roasted, peeled, stemmed, and seeded
1 Scotch bonnet, minced
7 cups chicken stock
12 mussels, cleaned
12 clams, cleaned
1 pinch saffron threads
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
1/2 pound sea bass, cut into 2-inch pieces
1/2 cup annatto oil or canola oil
1/4 pound calamari, cut into rounds
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12-ounce) bottle dark beer
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large red onion, diced small
4 cups long-grain white rice
1 cup chopped cilantro leaves
Salsa Criolla, recipe follows
1 cup sweet peas, cooked
1/2 medium Spanish onion, diced
2 limes
2 cloves garlic, minced
Reserved minced Scotch bonnet
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves
Kosher salt and ground black pepper

Steps:

Make a paste from the roasted peppers by mincing them, then mashing them with the back of a fork. Mix in half of the Scotch bonnet. Save the other half of the chile pepper for the Salsa Criolla. Reserve the paste.
Heat the stock in a pot. Add the mussels and clams. Cover the pot, but check after a few minutes and remove the mollusks to a bowl as they open. Once all they are all out of the pot, add the saffron to infuse the stock and remove from the heat.
In a bowl, season the flour with salt and pepper. Lightly flour the sea bass. Heat a saute pan over medium-high heat with 1/4 cup of the annatto or canola oil. When it is quite hot, add the bass and sear until golden crisp. Remove the fish and reserve on a plate. Now add the calamari to the pan and cook for 1 minute and reserve with the sea bass. Next add the shrimp to the pan, with 2 tablespoons of the pepper paste and 1/4 cup of the beer. Saute until just cooked. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and reserve with the rest of the seafood. Now reduce the cooking liquid to a light syrup and pour over the seafood. Reserve.
To a deep soup pot over medium-high heat add the remaining 1/4 cup oil. When it is hot add the garlic and onion. Cook until they start to caramelize, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the rice and stir to coat. Pour in the chicken stock, cover and cook for 10 minutes. Stir with a fork, and add the seafood, the rest of the beer, and cilantro and stir once more. Cover again and turn down the heat to medium-low, cooking for about 25 minutes. While the rice cooks, make the Salsa Criolla.
When the rice is done, stir in the peas and serve with the Salsa Criolla on the side.
Put the onion in a small bowl. Squeeze the limes over them; discard the rinds. To this add the garlic, Scotch bonnet, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Tips:

Choose fresh ingredients: Salsa Criolla is only as good as the ingredients you use. Look for ripe tomatoes, crisp onions, and fresh cilantro.
Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will help you get clean, even cuts on your vegetables.
Don't overchop the vegetables: You want the vegetables in your salsa to have a little bit of texture, so don't chop them too finely.
Use a good olive oil: A good quality olive oil will give your salsa a rich, flavorful base.
Season to taste: Every palate is different, so taste your salsa and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Let the salsa sit for a while: The flavors in salsa Criolla will meld together better if you let it sit for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Conclusion:

Salsa Criolla is a refreshing, flavorful condiment that can be used to add a pop of flavor to a variety of dishes. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you're looking for a way to add some extra flavor to your meal, give Salsa Criolla a try!