Simple Salsa Recipe
15 min
10 min
8 pers
Ingredients
- 4 - 5 roma tomatoes (medium-sized)
- 1 white onion
- 2 - 4 jalapeños (to taste, depending on heat desired)
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 - 2 garlic cloves
- 1 ½ teas. salt
- Optional: 1 - 2 chile de arbol
- Optional: 1 bunch of cilantro
Making a traditional Mexican-style salsa at home is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to enjoy the fresh flavors of authentic ingredients. This recipe combines the sweet acidity of roma tomatoes with the zesty kick of jalapeños and the aromatic warmth of garlic and onion. The result is a vibrant and delicious salsa that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, tacos, or any dish that could use a bit of spice.
Directions
Step 1
Preheat cast iron pan (preferably - or other pan that will tolerate high heat well and char vegetables) on medium-high heat. If you don't have a cast iron pan, a broiler may also be used - set the oven temperature high (475-500 degrees Fahrenheit, or Broil if your oven has it).
[Note: traditional Mexican households use a flat cast iron piece over flame, called a "comal". A well-seasoned cast iron pan will generate a very similar char on the vegetables. The object of charring the vegetables is to produce the "Maillard" reaction which provides incredible flavor to the dish as well as smokiness.]
Step 2
Once up to heat, start charring the Chile de Arbol and garlic in the cast iron pan. Be cautious to not burn the garlic or chili, as this can happen quickly. Once the garlic and chili have a decent char, remove from the heat.
Step 3
Char the remaining vegetables - the tomatoes, onion, and jalapeños. The goal here is to obtain black marks all around the ingredients (without burning them too much), and slightly cook the tomato and onion for a deeper flavor. Rotate them as they cook to obtain a char on all sides of the vegetable.
Step 4
Once all vegetables have been charred thoroughly, remove them from the heat and place them into a blender or a mortar and pestle.
Step 5
In a blender or mortar and pestle, combine the charred vegetables, squeezed lime juice, garlic, Chile de arbol, cilantro, and salt. Blend the salsa to the desired consistency - whether more chunky or liquid.
Use on some tacos with guacamole or with some chips for a great, spicy dip. Salsa works great for a simple Mexican-style chicken. Simply use the salsa as a marinade for the chicken and bake. This salsa-style chicken works great for nachos.