Bahians like to finish this chunky salsa with a bit of juice from the moqueca, or whatever dish it is meant to accompany. The term lambão comes from the Latin lambere, "to pass the tongue over something." In Bahia, the traditional malagueta chiles are said to ward off negative energy associated with some of the orixás, or spiritual beings. Look for malaguetas and pimenta de cheiro at farmers' markets, or substitute drained jarred malaguetas from a Brazilian grocer and fresh serranos.
Get the recipe for Brazilian Chile and Tomato Salsa (Molho Lambão) ».
Ted Cavanaugh
Salsa makes everything better, and it’s probably our favorite condiment. The word simply means “sauce,” and can be many things—a smooth purée, a chunky relish, a potent dip. These recipes are perfect for a variety of uses: as dips for your tortilla chips; a braising liquid for pork; a creamy, spicy cloak for shrimp; and more. We even like to eat some of them right off the fork (pineapple salsa, we’re looking at you). So whether you like it spicy or mild, a good coating of salsa or just a thin layer, we’ve got the recipe for you.
Bahians like to finish this chunky salsa with a bit of juice from the moqueca, or whatever dish it is meant to accompany. The term lambão comes from the Latin lambere, “to pass the tongue over something.” In Bahia, the traditional malagueta chiles are said to ward off negative energy associated with some of the orixás, or spiritual beings. Look for malaguetas and pimenta de cheiro at farmers’ markets, or substitute drained jarred malaguetas from a Brazilian grocer and fresh serranos. Get the recipe for Brazilian Chile and Tomato Salsa (Molho Lambão) »
Chiltomate
This fruity-spicy southeast Mexico staple is ideal on enchiladas or huevos rancheros.
Guacamole Taquero
This creamy all-purpose salsa is great on tacos filled with carnitas or grilled cactus.
Salsa de Chipotle Quemado
Toasting dried chiles until they’re brown and brittle creates a dark, smoky salsa that complements robust meats such as lamb and goat.
