Although the word "relajo" has a meaning that denotes playfulness or lack of organization, in Salvadoran cuisine, this term is associated with a typical seasoning made from a mixture of various dehydrated spices used mainly to season tamales and enhance the flavor of sauces for turkey, chickens, and roasted hens, which are emblematic dishes of the Christmas festivities in the country.
The Tasty Seasoning
This seasoning was created in Salvadoran Creole cuisine, and among the main ingredients are chilies of the ciruela and guaque varieties, bay leaves, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, thyme, dried oregano, black pepper, ground annatto, cloves, and pumpkin or pepitoria seeds; other flavors are often added depending on the dish being prepared, such as peanuts, nuts, and pistachios.
In El Salvador, "relajo" can be found in any supermarket or made artisanally at home, as its preparation is not very complicated—simply mix the ingredients, then toast and grind them.
The Secret
The secret to a good Salvadoran "relajo" is achieving the perfect level of doneness of its ingredients so that they don't turn bitter in the dishes.
Traditionally, Salvadoran "relajo" is used to give a special touch to the sauces covering the Christmas turkey, and it also pairs very well with baked chicken and hen; it is also used in chicken tamales and the comforting sopa de pata, with its typical and Creole flavor.
