Ginger Free Salsa Macha

Total time35 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time15 min

4.8

(21)

This deeply savory Mexican condiment is built on layers of smoky dried chiles, toasted peanuts, golden garlic, and nutty sesame seeds — all slow-fried in neutral oil until every ingredient is coaxed into its richest, most fragrant version of itself. The result is a chunky, spoonable chile oil that hits with heat, depth, and a satisfying crunch in every bite. Because the entire flavor profile comes from chiles, alliums, seeds, and aromatics, there's no need to swap or skip a thing — this recipe is naturally free of the root spice that can sneak into so many sauces and condiments without warning. The technique is straightforward: fry each component separately in the same oil so nothing gets lost, then pulse everything together just enough to keep that irresistible coarse texture. Apple cider vinegar adds a bright lift that balances the richness, while dried oregano and a touch of sugar round out the complexity. Spoon it over eggs, tacos, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or honestly anything that could use a serious upgrade. A jar of this in the fridge is one of those pantry wins you'll reach for every single day.

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Ingredients

8 servings

1 cup neutral oil (such as avocado oil or sunflower oil)
4 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed, torn into pieces
3 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed, torn into pieces
2 dried chiles de árbol, stems removed
5 garlic cloves, peeled
⅓ cup raw peanuts
2 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp sugar

Instructions

1
Pour the oil into a small saucepan and set over medium-low heat until the oil reaches about 300°F (150°C) — it should shimmer and move easily when the pan is tilted, but not smoke.
2
Add the garlic cloves to the hot oil and fry, turning occasionally, until golden and lightly blistered on all sides, about 3–4 minutes. Watch closely, as garlic can brown quickly. Remove the garlic with a slotted spoon and set aside.

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