The Costa Rican Staple That'll Be Your Secret Ingredient In Every Dish

If you're looking for a way to amplify your usual recipes, adding a different condiment can make a world of difference; trying new ingredients can make your meals a little more exciting. One sauce — Lizano Salsa — is versatile enough to be added to several dishes and is popular in Central America. The condiment has even been dubbed the national sauce of Costa Rica, thanks to its popularity throughout the country.

The vegan sauce blends chili peppers, molasses, cucumbers, carrots, onions, cauliflower, and a few different spices for a tangy, salty, and slightly sweet flavor. Even with the addition of the chili peppers, the sauce is reportedly free from heat, making it a great choice even for those with more sensitive taste buds.

Lizano Salsa can be used in various dishes, though it is most commonly used when cooking meats, drizzled on eggs, or on top of tamales. It could even be used as a marinade before grilling.

If you visit Costa Rica, bottles of the sauce will be present on tables in most restaurants — it's the equivalent of ketchup bottles in American diners. Bottles can also be purchased in grocery stores for home use. Though you may have to check the international aisle at your local grocery store, seek out an international foods store, or order a bottle online if you're outside the country — it's less prevalent in other parts of the world.

If you want to enjoy the full experience of the sauce, try using it while cooking up some Costa Rican cuisine like ceviche or chifrijo. The salsa is also an integral ingredient of the staple breakfast dish Gallo pinto, made of rice and beans mixed with bell peppers, onions, and cilantro. The meal has even been called the country's national dish — making it perfectly pair with the sauce.

Costa Rican bar owner Prospero Jimenez invented Lizano Salsa after tasting Worcestershire sauce. He hoped to create something that tasted even better. Though he developed his recipe for the sauce in 1920, he didn't make it publicly available until about 30 years later. Then, he teamed up with his employee Claudio Rojas Araya, who in turn shared the sauce with Prospero Lizano. Lizano owned a factory and would be able to assist in the production of the sauce. The commercially sold sauce was named for him.

Ownership of the company has changed a few times over the years. By 2008, Knorr was responsible for its production and sales, and today, it's sold by Unilever. Fortunately, it doesn't seem that the recipe has changed much over the years. Lizano has expanded its product line and now sells Tabasco, mayonnaise, and ketchup sauces. And in addition to the classic Lizano Salsa, customers can also grab a lighter, lower sodium version.