Salsa Carioca

This chile pepper gets its name from its origin. In Spanish, serrano is an adjective meaning “from the mountains” which is where it originated-in the mountains of Hildalgo, Mexico. The serrano is normally about twice as hot as Jalapeno (about 10,000 to 15,000 Scoville units). It is the second most popular chile pepper in Mexico. This chile is used mostly for salsas but can also be used in soups, sauces, chili or stews. Try these as a hotter substitute for Jalapeno.

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Ingredients:

2 medium serrano chiles, chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small tomato, chopped
1 medium avocado, peeled and chopped
2 hardcooked eggs, chopped

Dressing ingredients:

3 tsp. hot pepper sauce
3 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. white vinegar
1 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 tsp. coriander
pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Combine all the dressing ingredients and allow to sit for 1 hour to blend the flavors.

Toss the salad ingredients with the dressing and serve.

Recipe adapted from “The Whole Chile Cookbook” by Dave Dewitt and Nancy Gerlach.