Mojo Picón
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Canary Islands with this authentic Mojo Picón. This fiery red sauce, bursting with garlic, sweet paprika, and a hint of chili, offers a perfect balance of aromatic spice and tang. It's an incredibly versatile condiment, ideal for drizzling over roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or as a zesty dip.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 40 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 264 kcal
Allergen information: may contain sulphites. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
- 0.5 pcsred bell pepper, roughly chopped
- 4 clovegarlic clove, peeled
- 1 pcsred chili, seeded and roughly chopped
- 0.5 tspcumin, ground
- 1 tbsppaprika, sweet
- 2 tbspred wine vinegar
- 0.5 cupolive oil
- 0.5 tspsalt
- 2 tbspwater(optional)
Equipment
Blender · Food processor · Airtight jar or container · Chef's knife · Cutting board
The method
Step by step
- 1
Roughly chop the red bell pepper and red chili, and peel the garlic cloves.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: For a milder sauce, remove the seeds and membranes from the red chili before chopping. For extra heat, leave them in.
- 2
Combine the chopped red bell pepper, garlic cloves, red chili, ground cumin, sweet paprika, red wine vinegar, and salt into the bowl of a blender or food processor.
About 2 min
- 3
Pulse the ingredients repeatedly until they form a coarse, textured paste, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Ensure all larger pieces of bell pepper and garlic are finely minced before proceeding to the next step, as this will contribute to a smoother final sauce.
- 4
With the blender or food processor running on a low speed, slowly and steadily drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture emulsifies into a smooth, cohesive sauce.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Adding the olive oil gradually is crucial for creating a stable emulsion, which prevents the sauce from separating later. A thin, continuous stream works best.
- 5
Assess the consistency of the sauce; if it appears too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time, blending briefly after each addition, until your desired pourable consistency is achieved.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Always start with a small amount of water and add more incrementally. It's easier to thin a sauce than to thicken it.
- 6
Taste the Mojo Picón and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more salt for flavor enhancement or additional red wine vinegar for a brighter tang.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Allowing the flavors to meld for a few minutes after seasoning adjustments can give a more accurate taste profile.
- 7
Transfer the prepared Mojo Picón to a clean, airtight jar or container and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes before serving.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Chilling the sauce not only allows the complex flavors to fully develop and meld but also helps to slightly thicken its consistency, making it ideal for dipping and drizzling.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 264.1kcal
- Protein
- 1.1g
- Carbs
- 5g
- Fat
- 27.6g
- Fibre
- 1.1g
- Sugar
- 1.1g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
This versatile sauce is a fantastic accompaniment to traditional Canarian 'papas arrugadas' (wrinkled potatoes). It also pairs beautifully with grilled fish, roasted chicken, or as a vibrant spread for sandwiches. For a delightful appetizer, serve it with crusty bread or a platter of fresh crudités. Consider a dry, crisp white wine like Albariño or a light-bodied red to complement its bold flavors.
Store Mojo Picón in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator.
Mojo Picón is typically served chilled or at room temperature. No reheating is required.
More recipes
All recipesbeverage
Unsweetened Iced Tea
This simple recipe yields a refreshing and naturally sugar-free iced tea, perfect for any time of day. It's an easy way to stay hydrated and enjoy a classic beverage without added sweeteners.
2 hr 10 minsnack
Crackers with Cream Cheese and Grapes
Crackers spread with cream cheese, served alongside a handful of grapes — sweet, creamy, and crunchy.
3 min 281 kcalsnack
Steamed Edamame
This simple recipe highlights the natural flavor of edamame, a nutritious and satisfying snack. Lightly salted, it's perfect for a quick bite or an appetizer.
7 minbreakfast
breakfast
Smoked Salmon Rye Toast
Rye toast topped with cream cheese and smoked salmon — an elegant but effortless breakfast.
5 min 351 kcallunch
Egg & Tomato Sandwich
Sliced hard-boiled egg and tomato with mayo between whole wheat bread.
18 min 409 kcalbreakfast
Yogurt and Blueberry Bowl
Natural yogurt topped with fresh blueberries — light and refreshing.
2 min 158 kcal