Salsa Lizano

Origin: Salsa Lizano is the heartbeat of Costa Rican kitchens—a tangy, savory sauce with just enough kick to stir the soul but never overpower.

It carries the echo of street vendors, smoky back kitchens, and family tables piled high with rice and beans. This version leans on fresh ingredients, but honors the unmistakable tang of the bottled classic.

Ingredients

Some flavors don’t introduce themselves. They arrive with heat and memory.

2 dried chilies, remove seeds

1 cup water or vegetable stock

1/2 cup yellow onion, minced

2 cloves garlic

1 carrot, minced

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

1 tablespoon cumin

1 teaspoon sugar

2 teaspoons black pepper

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

How The Alchemy Happens

Place a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chilies and water or vegetable stock. Simmer until the chilies become soft, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Remove the chilies from the heat. Transfer the chili mixture into a blender. Add in all the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.

Allow to cool and chop coarsely.