Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mojo Verde Sauce is the perfect combination of fresh herbs, spices, and a rich olive oil base. It’s a vegan, gluten-free sauce that’s full of flavor and ideal for adding a zesty kick to any dish. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this sauce is quick to make and adds a delicious, Mediterranean flair to your meals. Whether you’re using it as a marinade, a condiment, or a dip, Mojo Verde is sure to elevate any dish with its refreshing, herbaceous taste.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro (stems removed)
- ½ bunch fresh parsley (stems removed)
- 5 large garlic cloves
- 2 small green peppers (either bell peppers or spicy ones)
- 1-2 teaspoons sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sherry or red wine vinegar
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Remove the stems from the cilantro and parsley and roughly chop the leaves.
- Roughly chop the garlic and mash it into a paste using a mortar and pestle.
- Add the cilantro, parsley, mashed garlic, chopped peppers, sea salt, and cumin to a blender or food processor. Pulse a few times to combine.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending slowly. Be careful not to over-process the sauce; the traditional method would use a mortar and pestle, which leaves the sauce with some texture.
- Add the vinegar to taste, and then adjust the salt and cumin as needed.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
(Note: The recipe can be prepared in under 10 minutes, making it a quick and easy addition to any meal.)
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add extra spicy peppers or a small fresh chili to bring some heat to your Mojo Verde.
- Add Nuts: For a slightly thicker texture and added richness, try adding a handful of toasted almonds or pine nuts to the sauce.
- Herb Swap: While cilantro and parsley are traditional, you can swap some of the parsley with basil or mint for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the Mojo Verde Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Reheating: This sauce is typically served fresh and doesn’t require reheating. Simply remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Fresh herbs are best for Mojo Verde, as they give the sauce its vibrant flavor. Using dried herbs will alter the taste and texture, so it’s recommended to stick with fresh cilantro and parsley.
2. Can I make Mojo Verde without a blender?
Yes, the traditional way of making Mojo Verde is by using a mortar and pestle. Simply grind the ingredients in small batches, adding the olive oil slowly, until you achieve the right consistency.
3. Can I substitute vinegar with lemon juice?
Yes, you can use lemon juice as a substitute for vinegar. It will give the sauce a slightly different flavor, but it will still add a nice acidic kick.
4. How can I adjust the consistency of Mojo Verde?
If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more olive oil or vinegar, depending on your preference. Just add slowly and stir until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Can I freeze Mojo Verde Sauce?
Mojo Verde is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag. Let it thaw in the fridge before using.
6. Can I use other types of oil for this recipe?
While extra virgin olive oil is traditional and provides the best flavor, you can use other oils like avocado oil or sunflower oil as substitutes, although the taste may differ slightly.
7. Is Mojo Verde spicy?
The spice level of Mojo Verde depends on the type of peppers you use. If you prefer a mild sauce, opt for bell peppers, and if you like heat, use spicy green peppers or add a small chili.
8. What can I serve Mojo Verde with?
Mojo Verde is great as a dipping sauce for bread, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats. It also works well as a marinade for fish or chicken.
9. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Mojo Verde up to 1 day ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and the flavors will continue to develop as it sits.
10. How do I adjust the saltiness of Mojo Verde?
If the sauce is too salty, you can dilute it with a little extra olive oil or vinegar. Be sure to taste as you go to avoid over-adjusting.
Conclusion
Canarian Mojo Verde Sauce is a fresh, tangy, and herb-packed condiment that adds vibrant flavor to any dish. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s easy to make and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re using it as a sauce for grilled meats, a dip for vegetables, or a marinade for seafood, Mojo Verde will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Try it today and bring a taste of the Canary Islands to your table!
Canarian Mojo Verde Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Canarian Mojo Verde Sauce is a fresh, tangy sauce made with cilantro, parsley, green peppers, and olive oil. It’s a vibrant and versatile condiment perfect for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a dip.
Ingredients
1 bunch fresh cilantro (stems removed)
½ bunch fresh parsley (stems removed)
5 large garlic cloves
2 small green peppers (either bell peppers or spicy ones)
1–2 teaspoons sea salt
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons sherry or red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Remove the stems from the cilantro and parsley and roughly chop the leaves.
- Roughly chop the garlic and mash it into a paste using a mortar and pestle.
- Add the cilantro, parsley, mashed garlic, chopped peppers, sea salt, and cumin to a blender or food processor. Pulse a few times to combine.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending slowly. Be careful not to over-process the sauce; the traditional method uses a mortar and pestle, which leaves the sauce with some texture.
- Add the vinegar to taste, and then adjust the salt and cumin as needed.
Notes
Spicy Version: Add extra spicy peppers or a small fresh chili for added heat.
Add Nuts: For a thicker texture and richness, add a handful of toasted almonds or pine nuts.
Herb Swap: Try swapping some of the parsley with basil or mint for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Canary Islands
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
