El Sabor de Oaxaca Mole Negro
Milk Street is the only vendor in the U.S. that carries this decadent mole crafted in Oaxaca, Mexico. The black paste yields a velvet-smooth sauce when diluted with water or stock that leads with aromatic sweet chili notes from four different chili varietals. The taste then transitions into layers of nutty richness from peanuts, walnuts and almonds. A touch of bitterness and moderate hit of heat rounds out the complex range of flavors. While many moles we sampled were too sugary, this one is perfectly balanced and can be sweetened to taste.
El Sabor de Oaxaca Mole Coloradito
Milk Street is the only vendor in the U.S. that carries this decadent mole crafted in Oaxaca, Mexico. Lusciously smooth with a brick red hue, this mole is thick and rich, yet bright with robust chili flavor. A pleasant hint of garlic lingers at the base, while the almond’s fruity nuttiness plays up the paste’s subtle sweetness and emphasizes the paste’s pleasant heat. While many moles we sampled were too sugary, this one is perfectly balanced and can be sweetened to taste. Simply dilute with water or broth for a smooth sauce.
El Sabor de Oaxaca Salsa Macha
This incredibly crunchy, spicy salsa is laden with crisp, dried chili flakes that are sizzled in oil and packed with sesame and pumpkin seeds. It’s deep flavor comes from the chiles de arbol—which yield a slight smokiness and big hit of spice—and the substantial amount of richly earthy seeds. A touch of salt ties the tastes together. While we’re beginning to see Sichuan-style crispy chili condiments on the market, we don’t often find one from Mexico. This one is brighter and punchier than its Asian counterpart, with a less distinctive blend of spices, so it’s easier to incorporate into a variety of dishes.
Don Chilio Serrano Chile Crisp
Premium serrano peppers are picked at peak ripeness before being sliced, dried and gently crisped in seasoned extra-virgin olive oil. The aroma when you open the jar is akin to a freshly sliced green serrano. Fresh and aromatic, with an herbal, grassy fruitiness and spicy kick. And yet, they are pale brown, dried and fried to delicate crispy perfection. Delicately crispy, these chiles can easily be crushed into a spicy, textural topping for myriad savory dishes. Since they are dried before frying, the flavor becomes concentrated without getting too much of a cooked taste. It also means that the beautifully crispy texture can be achieved faster than if starting with fresh, and less cooking means maintaining the character of the serrano pepper—as opposed to cooking it so long or hard that it fades into a generic “fried chile” flavor. Although we carry other crispy chili products in our store in the way of sauces and oils, these crips set themselves apart from the bunch—yielding only the bold taste of serrano and an audibly crunchy texture.
Tia Lupita Hot Sauce
Tia Lupita's Hot Sauce is an authentic, small-batch version of the classic red hot sauces you'll find at every taco truck or taqueria. Made with only eight ingredients and absolutely no preservatives, the moderately spicy sauce has a bright chili flavor, vinegary tang and stand-out oregano notes that perfectly complement the red jalapeño chilies. Whereas many hot sauces forego dried spices because they can overpower chili peppers' fresh flavor, the oregano in Tia Lupita's sauce is balanced to perfection and makes up part of its core character. Hector Salvidar named his company after his mother, the original Tia Lupita, and her namesake sauce is made to this day according to her original recipe.
Don Chilio Habanero Chile Crisp
Premium habanero peppers are picked at peak ripeness before being sliced into thin curls and gently crisped in seasoned extra-virgin olive oil. Delicately crispy, these chiles can easily be crushed into a spicy, textural topping for myriad savory dishes. These habaneros prominently maintain their signature fruity, tropical flavor the pepper is known for accompanied by a bright and fresh aroma. Since they are dried before frying, the flavor becomes concentrated without getting too much of a cooked taste. It also means that the beautifully crispy texture can be achieved faster than if starting with fresh, and less cooking means maintaining the character of the habanero pepper— as opposed to cooking it so long or hard that it fades into a generic “fried chile” flavor. Although we carry other crispy chili products in our store in the way of sauces and oils, these crips set themselves apart from the bunch—yielding only the bold taste of habanero and an audibly crunchy texture.
Xilli Salsa Macha
Salsa macha is not readily available in grocery stores, but it’s worth it to track some down—especially if it’s this one from Xilli, which is made by hand in small batches. It has clear chili flavor— smokey, fruity, darkly roasted without being burnt—and a satisfying, crunchy texture from ground buttery, roasted peanuts and flakes of tender chili. They’re almost confetti-like suspended in the silky oil. The taste is dark and deep, but without any bitterness. Simple, yet still nuanced, it’s the perfect condiment.
Tia Lupita Hot Sauce and Salsa Verde Set
Tia Lupita's hot sauces are authentic, small-batch versions of the classic red and green hot sauces you'll find at every taco truck or taqueria. Made with absolutely no preservatives and no sugar, these hot sauces will enliven any dish. Company founder Hector Saldivar started Tia Lupita in order to share his family's beloved hot sauces with the world. The secret recipes were entrusted to him by his mother, Lupita Maldonado (affectionately nicknamed “Tia Lupita”), whose home-cooked hot sauces are highly sought-after among friends and family in Mexico. This two-bottle set pairs Tia Lupita's signature red and green sauces: Bright and slightly tangy with a medium heat level, the company's Classic Hot Sauce features fruity red jalapeño and garlic for a savory foundation. And while many hot sauces forego dried spices because they can overpower chili peppers' fresh flavor, the oregano in Tia Lupita's sauce is balanced to perfection, setting it apart from other sauces. Made with only six ingredients, Salsa Verde pairs green jalapeño chilies with tart tomatillos, cilantro and a hint of garlic for a sauce with just the right amount of medium heat—and a whole lot of flavor.
Xilli Pipian Verde Mole
Herbaceous, refreshing and nutty, this classic pipian verde mole from Xilli is made with Mexican herbs and green pepitas. Otherwise known as mole verde, most other versions you’d find come in the form of a paste or powder, with ingredients that aren’t fresh or high-quality. This mole is the real deal, getting its name and nutty flavor from the main ingredient, pumpkin seeds, along with tomatillos and jalepeños that contribute to the earthy green color. The nutty creaminess from the pepitas pairs well with the jalapeños, adding a nice sweetness and aroma without an overpowering heat. The fresh herbs in this mole add a refreshing and acidic sweetness, almost reminiscent of a sour green apple. Add this mole to rice or enchiladas, pour and simmer over the protein of your choice or use as a dipping sauce.
Xilli Salsa Seca
A close relative to salsa macha, and known in Mexico as “Salsa De Semillas,” this salsa seca, or “dry salsa,” from Xilli is a crunchy, texturally interesting blend of fried nuts, seeds and chilies. Nutty and salty upon first taste, you’ll find a noticeable heat on the back end that lingers as well as a sweet smokiness from the chipotle peppers. The fat from the nuts and seeds are a nice cushion against the heat from the chili-infused oil, so as to not overpower your palate. With a unique texture and structured heat, this salsa seca makes a great topping for just about anything, almost like you would a chili crisp. Try it on a runny fried egg or drizzled over roasted vegetables.
