Canary Island Garlic Mojo Sauce
Mojo Picon is a vibrant and flavorful garlic sauce hailing from the picturesque Canary Islands. This zesty blend is not only a staple in Canarian cuisine, but it also enhances a multitude of dishes, bringing a delightful punch of flavor to both simple and elaborate meals. Traditionally enjoyed with 'papas arrugadas' (wrinkled potatoes), this versatile sauce can accompany grilled meats, seafood, roasted vegetables, and even crusty bread. The beauty of Mojo Picon lies in its ability to marry perfectly with a variety of ingredients, adding a layer of depth to your culinary creations. It can be prepared in advance, and the flavors deepen and improve after a day or two in the refrigerator. Remember to serve it at room temperature to enjoy the full scope of its taste!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic cloves
5 (peeled and chopped)
Cumin seed
1 teaspoon (whole)
Dried chilies
2-3 (whole (adjust for heat preference))
Salt
to taste (for mashing)
Breadcrumbs
3-4 tablespoons (plain or seasoned)
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (preferably smoked)
Red wine vinegar
2-3 tablespoons (for acidity)
Olive oil
4-5 tablespoons (extra virgin recommended)
Water
1/2 cup (as needed to achieve consistency)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and chopping the garlic cloves.
2
In a mortar and pestle, combine the garlic, cumin seeds, and dried chilies with a pinch of salt. Grind this mixture until it forms a smooth paste.
3
Once well-mashed, add the paprika and red wine vinegar to the mixture, blending thoroughly.
4
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to blend until well combined.
5
Add the breadcrumbs to the mixture and mash until incorporated.
6
Gradually mix in water, a little at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency. The sauce should be thick but pourable.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Serve with your choice of Spanish cheese, boiled potatoes, crusty bread, or as a condiment for fried fish. Enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Canary Island Garlic Mojo Sauce?
It is a vibrant and flavorful garlic sauce, also known as Mojo Picon, hailing from the Canary Islands.
What is the traditional way to serve Mojo Picon?
It is traditionally enjoyed with 'papas arrugadas' (wrinkled potatoes) or crusty bread.
What ingredients are needed for the sauce base?
The base is made from garlic cloves, cumin seeds, dried chilies, and salt.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
The recipe calls for 5 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped.
How do I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
You can adjust the heat by using between 2 and 3 dried chilies according to your preference.
What type of paprika is recommended?
Smoked paprika is preferred for its ability to add depth to the sauce.
What kind of oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Why are breadcrumbs added to the recipe?
Breadcrumbs are used to thicken the sauce and provide a specific texture.
What is the purpose of adding water?
Water is added gradually to achieve the desired consistency, making the sauce thick yet pourable.
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes, the flavors deepen and improve after sitting in the refrigerator for a day or two.
What temperature should the sauce be served at?
It should be served at room temperature to enjoy the full scope of its flavors.
What equipment is best for making this sauce?
A mortar and pestle is recommended to grind the ingredients into a smooth, traditional paste.
What kind of vinegar is used?
The recipe uses 2-3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar for acidity.
Can I serve this with seafood?
Yes, it is an excellent condiment for seafood and fried fish.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients are plant-based and suitable for a vegetarian diet.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to peel and chop the garlic cloves.
How should the olive oil be added?
The olive oil should be drizzled in slowly while continuing to blend the mixture.
What meats pair well with Mojo Picon?
It accompanies grilled meats very well.
Can I use it with vegetables?
Yes, it is a great addition to roasted vegetables.
What type of cumin is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of whole cumin seeds.
How much water is typically needed?
About 1/2 cup of water is used, though it should be added as needed for consistency.
Can I serve this with cheese?
Yes, it pairs beautifully with various Spanish cheeses.
Does the sauce need to be cooked?
No, it is a raw sauce made by grinding and blending ingredients.
How do I start the grinding process?
Combine the garlic, cumin, and dried chilies with salt in a mortar and grind until smooth.
What should I do after mashing the breadcrumbs?
After incorporating breadcrumbs, gradually mix in water to reach the right consistency.
Is the salt measurement specific?
Salt is added 'to taste' to ensure the seasoning is perfect for your palate.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
You can use either plain or seasoned breadcrumbs.
What makes this sauce 'vibrant'?
The combination of fresh garlic, smoked paprika, and red wine vinegar creates a bright and bold flavor.
How do I adjust the texture if it is too thick?
Simply add a little more water, one small amount at a time, until it is pourable.
Where can I find this sauce traditionally?
It is a staple of Canarian cuisine in the Canary Islands, Spain.