Pumpkin Seed Salsa (sikil p’aak) Recipe

If you’re accustomed to serving guacamole every time you open a bag of chips, try this blend of pumpkin seeds and tomatoes instead. This unusual, delicious spread has its roots in the ancient Yucatecan kitchen. (The name sikil p’aak—pronounced “sickle pack”—is Mayan, not Spanish.) Tahini isn’t a traditional ingredient, but we like the flavor and creamy texture it adds. Let the sikil p’aak sit at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors mellow. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, but it’s best served shortly after it’s made.

Sikil P’aak Recipe

Makes about 3 cups

Shopping List
1 organic white onion
Olive oil, optional
Small bunch organic fresh cilantro 
1¾ cups unsalted roasted pumpkin seeds
5 ounces organic fresh tomatoes, chopped, or 5 ounces drained canned fire-roasted tomatoes (preferably no salt added)
¼ cup organic fresh orange juice 
⅓ cup organic fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons tahini
3 teaspoons habanero chile hot sauce (or 1 fresh habanero chile, stemmed, seeded, and chopped)
1½ teaspoon kosher salt
Fresh tortilla chips, or raw vegetables, such as jicama or cucumbers, for serving 

1. Prep the onion and cilantro

  • Peel and halve the onion. 
  • Wash and dry the cilantro. 

On the stove top directly over a flame, char the onion until slightly blackened, 3 to 5 minutes. Alternatively, put the onion on a sheet pan, drizzle with oil, and roast in a 450ºF oven until slightly blackened, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a plate. 
Let the onion cool and coarsely chop. 

2. Puree the salsa
In a blender or food processor, combine the onion, pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, orange juice, lime juice, tahini, hot sauce or chile, cilantro, and salt and process to a slightly chunky puree.

Serve 
Transfer to a serving bowl and serve with fresh tortilla chips or raw vegetables, such as jicama or cucumbers. 

 

Nutrition per serving: Calories: 130, Protein: 6g (12% DV), Fiber: 2g (8% DV), Total Fat: 10g (15% DV), Monounsaturated Fat: 3.5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.5g, Saturated Fat: 2g (10% DV), Cholesterol: 0mg (0% DV), Sodium: 280mg (12% DV), Carbohydrates: 6g (2% DV), Total Sugars: 2g, Added Sugars: 0g (0% DV). Not a significant source of trans fat.

Bonus Recipe. Ingredients not included in box.

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