Orange-Cilantro Salsa

This chile pepper originated in the mountains of South America and Mexico. Because of their appearance they are often called “Manzano” which means apple chile. This pepper can only be grown in these regions at elevations above 5000′ therefore making these very rare in the US.These chiles are unique in that they are the only ones that have black seeds. They are very hot and meaty. Rocotos are chopped and used in salsas or sometimes stuffed with cheese and meat and then baked.

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Ingredients:

1 (12 oz. can) mandarin oranges
1/4 cup reserved juice from the oranges
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 rocoto chile, seeded and minced
1/2 small red onion, chopped fine
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
sea salt, to taste

Instructions:

Combine oranges, cilantro, onion, olive oil, vinegar, chopped rocoto chile, the reserved juice and salt in medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate the salsa for at least 2 hours.

Great with grilled lobster and other grilled seafood dishes.

Recipe by Jorge Marquez.