Description
This vibrant Salsa Roja recipe features roasted roma tomatoes, jalapeños, and fresh herbs, delivering a smoky, tangy, and spicy flavor perfect for dipping or as a versatile condiment for Mexican dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 8 roma tomatoes
- 1/2 small onion
- 2 jalapeño peppers (or substitute with serrano peppers or red chilies)
- 2 cloves garlic
Seasonings and Herbs
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure optimal roasting temperature for the vegetables.
- Prepare the vegetables: Spread the roma tomatoes, onion half, and jalapeño peppers on a large sheet pan. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Roast the vegetables: Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing them to blister and develop a deep flavor. Then, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until charred. Keep a close eye during broiling to prevent burning.
- Blend the salsa: Transfer the roasted tomatoes, onion, peppers, and any juices from the sheet pan to a food processor. Add the garlic cloves and lime juice, then blend until smooth.
- Incorporate the cilantro: Add the fresh cilantro to the food processor and pulse a few times to combine it into the salsa. Avoid over-blending to retain a slight texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the salsa and adjust the flavors as needed by adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice to suit your preference.
- Serve and enjoy: Chill the salsa for a few hours before serving for the best flavor. Serve it with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or nachos.
Notes
- For extra heat, keep the seeds of the jalapeños or add serrano peppers.
- Roasting intensifies the flavor—do not skip this step for authentic taste.
- Salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Adjust spice level according to your preference by selecting different types or amounts of chilies.
