Pebre
Pebre is a vibrant and essential Chilean salsa, a fresh and zesty condiment made from finely chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and ají verde. It's a staple accompaniment to nearly every Chilean meal, from grilled meats to empanadas.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 Tomatoes(Remove seeds and finely dice.)
- 1 Onion(Finely dice. Red onion is traditional and adds a nice color, but yellow or white onion also works.)
- 1 cup Cilantro(Finely chopped, stems and leaves.)
- 2 Ají verde(Finely minced. This is a mild green chili pepper common in Chile. If unavailable, substitute with jalapeño or serrano peppers, adjusting quantity to your heat preference. Remove seeds and membranes for less heat.)
- 2 cloves Garlic(Finely minced.)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Red wine vinegar(Or to taste.)
- to taste Salt(Crucial for bringing out flavors.)
- to taste Black pepper(Optional, but recommended.)
- for serving Marraqueta bread(Or other crusty bread. Pebre is excellent spread on toasted marraqueta.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the vegetables: Finely dice the tomatoes, removing the watery core and seeds. Finely dice the onion. Finely chop the fresh cilantro, including tender stems. Finely mince the ají verde (and jalapeño/serrano if using), removing seeds and membranes if you prefer less heat. Finely mince the garlic cloves.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Combine the ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, diced onion, chopped cilantro, minced ají verde, and minced garlic. Stir gently to mix.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 3
Dress the salsa: Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the vegetable mixture. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, if using. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – you might want more vinegar for tanginess or salt to enhance the flavors.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 4
Allow flavors to meld: Cover the bowl and let the pebre rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This resting period is crucial for the flavors to meld and deepen, transforming the raw ingredients into a harmonious salsa.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 5
Serve: Stir the pebre one last time before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside crusty bread, marraqueta, grilled meats, empanadas, or as a topping for various dishes.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the best texture, aim for a very fine and uniform dice on all vegetables.
- ✓The resting time is essential; don't skip it! It allows the ingredients to 'marry' and develop a richer flavor profile.
- ✓Adjust the amount of ají verde (or substitute chili) to your personal spice preference. Start with less and add more if desired.
- ✓Pebre can be made a few hours ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature or gently warm before serving for optimal flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of cumin for an earthy note.
- Incorporate finely chopped bell pepper (red or green) for added sweetness and color.
- Use a different type of chili pepper for a unique flavor profile.
- Some recipes include a small amount of finely chopped parsley alongside the cilantro.