Don't Panic! Rescue for Mojito Sauce and Chimichurri Sauce Junkies
Lots of desperate Trader Joe's fans have been asking what has become of the Mojito Sauce and the refrigerated Chimichurri Sauce. Well, we don't know, but it looks like they are off the shelves for now. As our local demo chef says: "Never say never"....sometimes they come back! In the meantime, they're both pretty easy to make at home. Not as convenient as popping open a jar, but you can make it and keep it for the week in the fridge.
Mojito Sauce Recipe:
4 cloves garlic crushed
1 to 1 1/2 cups chopped cilantro
1 cup Extra Virgin Olive oil
2 Tbsp Vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Juice of 1 lime and 1 orange
Pulse ingredients in a food processor or blender until combined. This is a basic Cuban Mojito sauce—not exactly the same as what is in the TJ jar, but along the same lines of flavor. It'll keep in the fridge for days.
Chimichurri Sauce Recipe:
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley
1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro
1 tsp dry oregano (optional)
2-4 cloves garlic, pressed
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
Puree in a processor or just mix together for a more rustic version (chop herbs more finely if skipping the processor)
We know there's never quite the exact substitute, but who knows, you might like these even better! If you try either of these recipes, let us know how you liked them.
I started with your recipe, then consulted the ingredient list on my last jar. I think this comes quite close. LEA
“ALMOST TRADER JOE’S”
MOJITO SAUCE
5 cloves garlic crushed
½ cup onions, finely minced
1 1/2 cups chopped cilantro
2 TBS cumin
2 tsp oregano
1 cup Extra Virgin Olive oil
2 Tbsp Cider Vinegar
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Juice of 1 lime (about 2 TBS)
Juice of 1 orange (about ½ cup)
For coarse grind, pulse in food processor. For smoother sauce, use blender. Makes about 2 cups. May be refrigerated or frozen.
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Thanks! I can't wait to try it! Freezing it is also a great idea--I might try freezing it in ice cube trays and popping out what I need.
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I am looking for the India Relish used in your samosas recipe, and was told that they didn't have that anymore. What can I use instead?
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Hi Maureen,
We've been sad to see this item disappear as well. Many of the products that are "discontinued" eventually come back, especially if there is customer demand--so let your store captain know if there is ever anything you miss seeing in the store.
For example, at our store, we've seen the return of Rice Sticks.
For the India Relish, there are a few options. If you live in a town where there might be an Indian or Asian grocery store, you can look for "Tomato Relish" and substitute an equal amount of it in the recipe.
If not, then you'll need:
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup diced canned tomato, drained
2 tsp pressed garlic
2 tsp grated ginger
2 tsp curry powder (or use 1 tsp yellow or brown mustard seed plus 1 tsp coriander seed plus 1/2 tsp cumin)
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp lemon or lime juice
Saute the onions in oil until soft, add remaining ingredients, and then substitute this for the India Relish.
Hope you like it!
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The ELKI Cuban Mojito sauce is the exact same thing as the TJ Mojito sauce.
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"The ELKI Cuban Mojito sauce is the exact same thing as the TJ Mojito sauce."
Yes, it may very well be, but in a search online, the price per bottle is something like $7-8, not including shipping!
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