The variously colored habanero (also called Scotch bonnet, for its shape) is blisteringly hot. It also has wonderful flavor, which, I suppose, is why people tolerate it. This salsa will turn up on any grilled meat, but it’s often served with Cochinita Pibil (page 351). Care is needed when handling all chiles, but especially habaneros; do not touch your eyes or other sensitive parts of your body after touching the chiles until you wash your hands very well (some people wear gloves to handle them, and that’s not a bad idea).
Ingredients
makes about 1/4 cup
Step 1
Combine the habaneros and garlic in a small skillet over medium heat. Cook, shaking the skillet occasionally, until the garlic browns all over and softens a bit and the chiles brown, about 10 minutes. (If the smoke bothers you, turn down the heat a bit or partially wrap the garlic and chiles in foil and roast in a 400°F oven for about 30 minutes.) Stem and seed the chiles (then wash your hands).
Step 2
Combine the chiles, garlic, lime juice, and salt in a food processor and turn the machine on, stopping it to scrape down the sides as necessary. Process until the mixture is pasty. Serve or cover and refrigerate for up to a few days.
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