The spiciness has become the main characteristic of Mexican food, but there are times when it causes so much heat that the flavor of the dishes cannot be appreciated. If it has happened to you, then we will tell you how to remove the spiciness from the sauces.
Chilies are key ingredients in Mexican cuisine. Whether it is serrano, jalapeno, mild chili, pasilla, or apple tree are their varieties add a spicy touch to our dishes. However, there are times when the burning is so great that we cannot enjoy the food.
The substance responsible for this effect is capsaicin. According to an article by the University of Engineering and Technology of Peru, capsaicin is mainly concentrated in the seeds and coatings of chili peppers and is a defense mechanism against external beings.
If you don’t want to exhilarate, here are five simple tips to fix your sauce in case it is too spicy for your palate.
1. Dairy mix
According to the culinary blog, The Spruce Eats, dairy contains a protein called casein. This compound binds to the capsaicin in spicy foods, which neutralizes the burning sensation in your mouth.
For this reason, it is recommended that you gradually add milk, sour cream, plain yogurt, or butter to reduce the spicy taste. It is important that your sauce is not hot or cooking so that the dairy does not curdle.
All Recipes suggest that you add whole dairy products, as they have more fat. If you are lactose intolerant or vegan, use another fatty ingredient like olive oil.
2. Add sour flavors
Pepper Scale explains that acidic ingredients like vinegar and lemon juice are reliable ways to make a sauce less spicy. This is because capsaicin is an alkaloid oil and the acidic components neutralize its pH, Foodal notes.
However, its flavor can be strong enough to alter a delicate sauce, so it is advised that you incorporate it carefully. Just add the juice of half a lemon or a tablespoon of vinegar for a portion of sauce of approximately 250 ml.
If it’s a tomato-based sauce, All Recipes says to increase the amounts of this fruit in your recipe.
3. Add a sweetener
Pepper Scale points out that a touch of sugar or honey will be enough to distract your palate from the heat caused by the spice.
In the particular case of the habanero pepper, the brand of sauces Secret Aardvark proposes adding pieces of carrot, mango, or pineapple to the preparation to soften its flavor.
4. Serve with starchy foods
If you don’t want extra ingredients in your sauce, The Kitchn food blog suggests that you serve the hot sauce with foods with a mild or starchy flavor, such as rice, pasta, bread, or potatoes.
5. Double the non-spicy ingredients
Another alternative is to double the amount of non-spicy ingredients to balance the flavors. You can use vegetables or chicken broth to dilute the spiciness. If you don’t use all of the sauce in your food, store it in glass jars so it will keep longer.
Follow these simple tips to get the most out of your food and dishes.
