Gustavo Romero's Salsa de Chinicuiles
Gustavo Romero's Salsa de Chinicuiles
March 7, 2025
Gustavo Romero of Oro by Nixta hails from Hidalgo, where he grew up harvesting chinicuiles — tiny worms that live inside the maguey plant. A delicacy of the region, chinicuiles have a rich, umami-packed flavor that's reminiscent of the plants they feed from. Grinding them into a salsa typical of the region lends a depth and a unique, earthy flavor. When combined with charred tomatoes, serrano chiles, garlic, and onions, the result is a smoky, savory salsa that’s full of character. It’s the kind of salsa you’ll want to enjoy fresh, when all those vibrant flavors are at their peak, and it pairs perfectly with tender, slow-cooked barbacoa.
