By Ami Medina, Oct. 15, 2024
Every Mexican family has its own salsa. Whether it’s a traditional recipe or store-bought, family gatherings feel incomplete without some hot sauce.
Mexican American singer and songwriter Omar Apollo recently collaborated with Taco Bell to create his own hot sauce called “Disha Hot.” The sauce, Apollo’s family recipe with a unique and personal kick, was released on Sept. 24.
Taco Bell customers can try the new salsa by purchasing the Disha Hot Discovery Box, which includes three sauce packets and menu best-sellers like the Cheesy Gordita Crunch.
Apollo’s personal connection to the sauce runs deep, rooted in his family’s history and traditions. The artist’s parents immigrated from Guadalajara, Mexico to the United States, according to WTHR, and opened a small Mexican restaurant called El Super Taco. According to the same source, Enriqueta, Apollo’s mother, created the original flavors behind Disha Hot sauce, which quickly became a family favorite. While Apollo’s parents had aspirations of sharing their beloved recipes through their restaurant, the restaurant did not remain open for long.
However, when one door closes, another one opens. According to wthr.com Apollo stated: “Everyone’s family has that one recipe they believe is worth sharing with the rest of the world, for me it’s Disha Hot Sauce. It’s not just about the flavors that take me back to my childhood, but about honoring my heritage and the countless sacrifices my parents made for me to pursue my passions.”
Many students at Cal Poly Pomona are passionate fans of Apollo not only because of his catchy music, but because of the empowering message he conveys in his artistry. Madison Lampi, a current criminology student at CPP, considers herself as one of Apollo’s biggest fans.
“I love Omar Apollo,” Lampi said. “What makes him so unique is his ability to voice queer love, struggles, and passions, all through song.”
Like Lampi, students at CPP have eagerly tried the Disha Hot Sauce.
“I think this is a boost for his career and he couldn’t have picked a better fast-food chain,” Lampi said. “The Disha Hot is delicious! I’m not much of a condiment person, but I find myself asking for the Disha Hot sauce every time I go. Chef’s kiss!”
Zariah Hufana, an AMM student at CPP said: “Initially, I found it a bit spicy, but I quickly realized it a good spicy not bad. I started adding it to everything. I was completely hooked!”
According to Foodandwine.com, Taco Bell revealed that the sauce’s ingredients include roasted tomatillos, white vinegar, peppers, onions, tomatoes, lime juice and a ‘family-secret spice blend’.”
While many salsas rely on quick methods, family recipes like Apollo’s take the time to honor the process.
“My family has been serving people since 1955,” said Lora Sanchez, a cook at her family-owned Mexican restaurant called El Tepeyac Cafe located in East Los Angeles. “A lot of what I do in this kitchen I learned from my mom who learned from her mom.”
Concerning the restaurant’s famous salsa, Sanchez did not reveal the details behind her family’s recipe, but shared some tips on what makes salsa delicious and special emphasizing the importance of fresh, high-quality ingredients.
“We roast our tomatoes and peppers over an open flame, allowing the smoky flavors to develop,” Sanchez said. “Our grandma taught us this to enhance the taste. Next, we hand-chop our ingredients, avoiding blenders whenever possible so the flavors are preserved making it taste more homemade. Finally, we season our salsa with lime juice, fresh cilantro, vinegar and salt.”
Sanchez emphasized that the balance of flavors is essential and that her family’s salsa represents much more than a culinary creation; it embodies the heart and soul of her family heritage.
“It’s about more than just food, it’s about honoring our family traditions and teaching the next generation our ways,” Sanchez said. “I love seeing our guests enjoy our salsa because they’re not just tasting it, they’re experiencing a piece of our family history.”
Apollo paid tribute to his mom and family in distinctive sayings included with every Disha Hot packet. His words of wisdom include ”Hotter in person,” “My mom made this – Omar” and “Who’s Omar Apollo?”
This collaboration with Apollo and Taco Bell not only highlights the personal history behind a beloved family recipe, but also serves as a reminder of traditions that define the Mexican American experience.
Apollo fans who are also Lucky Rewards Members will be able to get a Taco Bell x Disha Hot vinyl variant of Apollo’s new album, “God Said No” through the Taco Bell app. The vinyl records will be infused with orange liquid, inspired by the Disha Hot Sauce packets.
Feature image courtesy of Noemi Orozco