Relajo (Relajo salvadoreño) is a traditional toasted blend of spices and seeds that adds depth and flavor to many classic Salvadoran dishes.
Jump to
It's commonly used to season tamales and to enrich savory chicken or turkey sauces and stews.
This aromatic mix combines sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds (pepitoria), peanuts, achiote, dried chiles, bay leaves, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, and black pepper.
In my Relajo recipe, I use traditional ingredients like sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds (pepitoria), peanuts, achiote, thyme, cloves, allspice, and dried chiles to create an authentic flavor base.
Perfect for seasoning tamales, Pan con Pollo, Pan con Pavo, and other classic Salvadoran dishes.
Ingredients You'll Need
Note: See the recipe card for quantities.
- Raw Sesame seeds: Add a nutty aroma and rich, toasty depth to the blend.
- Raw Pumpkin seeds (pepitoria): Provide body and natural oil that helps carry the spices' flavor.
- Raw Peanuts: Contribute a mild sweetness and creamy texture once toasted and ground.
- Achiote seeds: Give the mix its signature warm red hue and subtle earthy flavor.
- Dried Oregano: Adds a herbal, slightly citrusy note that brightens the blend.
- Whole Cloves: Bring a deep, warm sweetness that balances the heat of the chiles.
- Dried Thyme: Adds an aromatic, earthy layer that complements the other spices.
- Whole Allspice: Lends a round, slightly sweet spice reminiscent of cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Dried Bay leaves: Offer a gentle bitterness and fragrance that ties the flavors together.
- Dried Pasilla chiles: Add a deep, earthy flavor and mild heat, forming the base of the relajo's smoky aroma.
- Dried Guajillo chiles: Provide a smoky-sweet flavor and vibrant color, enhancing complexity.I like to combine guajillo with pasilla chiles for a well-rounded, balanced flavor, but if you prefer, you can use only guajillo chiles for a simpler and slightly sweeter blend.
How to Make Relajo
Note: Full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
- In a small bowl, combine the sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, achiote seeds, oregano, cloves, thyme, allspice, bay leaves, pasilla chiles, and guajillo chiles; mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a large skillet and toast over medium heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the spices.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely. Once cooled, transfer to a blender and blend on high until finely ground, about 1 minute (be careful not to overprocess; you don't want it to turn into a paste).
Hint: For the best flavor, toast the ingredients until fragrant, not burnt. Let them cool completely before blending so the mix stays dry and smooth.
Storage & Make Ahead
Storage: Keep the Relajo mix in an airtight jar at room temperature, away from heat and moisture, to preserve its aroma and flavor.
Make Ahead: You can prepare it ahead of time-it stays fresh for up to 1 month when stored properly. After that, it's still usable, but the aroma and flavor may fade slightly.
Camila's Tips & Variations
- Be careful when toasting: Watch the spices closely while toasting-just until fragrant.
- Choose your chiles: Pasilla and guajillo gives mild heat and rich depth, but you can mix in ancho for different spice levels.
- Storage tip: Keep your relajo in an airtight jar at room temperature; it stays fresh for up to a month.
- Creative uses: Sprinkle it over roasted veggies, grilled meats, or fried potatoes for a quick flavor boost beyond Pan con Pollo and Pan con Pavo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Salvadoran Relajo made of?
It's a toasted blend of spices and seeds that usually includes chiles, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds (pepitoria), peanuts, achiote, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, and oregano.
What is Salvadoran Relajo used for?
Relajo salvadoreño is used to flavor and thicken dishes like Pan con Pollo, Pan con Pavo, tamales, and stews. It adds depth, color, and a slightly smoky aroma.
Is Relajo spicy?
It has mild heat from the chiles, but it's more flavorful than spicy. You can adjust the spice level by adding or removing certain chiles.
❤️Do you like this Salvadoran Relajo recipe?
Check out our other homemade spice blends, like Brazilian Tempero Baiano, Chili Seasoning, Louisiana Seasoning, and many more!
Pair with
You may also like
Recipe
Relajo
Equipment
- Blender or spice grinder
- Spatula or spoon
- Airtight jar or container
Ingredients
- 1 dried chile guajillo , seeds removed, torn into 1-inch pieces
- 1 dried chile pasilla , seeds removed, torn into 1-inch pieces
- 4 dried bay leaves
- 4 whole cloves
- ½ teaspoon whole allspice
- ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoon raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 2 tablespoon raw peanuts
- ¼ cup raw white sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon achiote (annatto) seeds or 2 teaspoon powder
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, achiote seeds, oregano, cloves, thyme, allspice, bay leaves, pasilla chiles, and guajillo chiles; mix well. Transfer the mixture to a large skillet and toast over medium heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the spices. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Once cooled, transfer to a blender and blend on high until finely ground, about 1 minute (be careful not to overprocess; you don't want it to turn into a paste).
- Transfer the mixture to a large skillet and toast over medium heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the spices. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Once cooled, transfer to a blender and blend on high until finely ground, about 1 minute (be careful not to overprocess; you don't want it to turn into a paste).
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.
