Smoky Fire-Roasted Tomato and Jalapeño Salsa
This Smoky Fire-Roasted Tomato and Jalapeño Salsa is a vibrant and flavorful sauce that effortlessly elevates any dish. Inspired by a cherished family recipe from my housekeeper in Mexico, this salsa combines the robust flavors of fire-roasted tomatoes with the spicy kick of jalapeños and the aromatic essence of garlic. Perfect for drizzling over Spicy Cilantro Scrambled Eggs for breakfast or as a zesty accompaniment to Salmon in Luxurious Green Sesame Pipian for dinner, this versatile salsa is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy it fresh, or let it chill in the refrigerator to deepen the flavors for up to a few days.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Jalapeño peppers
2 (fresh, sliced)
Garlic cloves
3 (unpeeled)
White onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Canned diced tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can (preferably fire-roasted with juice)
Fresh cilantro
1/3 cup (loosely packed, roughly chopped)
Lime juice
1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed (or more to taste))
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the jalapeños and unpeeled garlic cloves to the skillet, dry-roasting them until they are soft and charred in spots, about 10 minutes for the jalapeños and 15 minutes for the garlic.
2
While the peppers and garlic roast, rinse the chopped white onion under cold water in a strainer to mellow its flavor. Drain excess water and place the onion in a medium mixing bowl.
3
Once roasted, remove the stems from the jalapeños and peel the skins off the garlic cloves. Transfer the roasted jalapeños and garlic to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
4
Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juice to the food processor and pulse a few more times until you reach your desired salsa consistency, whether coarse or smooth.
5
Pour the tomato mixture into the bowl with the onion. Add the chopped cilantro, stirring them together thoroughly. If the salsa is too thick, thin it with a little water to achieve an easily spoonable texture.
6
Season the salsa with fresh lime juice and salt to taste, typically about 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Adjust lime juice according to your preference.
7
If not serving immediately, cover the salsa and refrigerate. If preparing ahead of time, wait to add the chopped onion and cilantro until just before serving to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Fire-Roasted Tomato and Jalapeño Salsa?
It is a vibrant and flavorful sauce made from fire-roasted tomatoes, charred jalapeños, and aromatic garlic, inspired by a traditional Mexican family recipe.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 2 servings.
What are the main ingredients in this salsa?
The main ingredients include jalapeño peppers, garlic cloves, white onion, canned diced fire-roasted tomatoes, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
How long does it take to roast the jalapeños?
The jalapeños should be dry-roasted in a skillet for about 10 minutes until they are soft and charred in spots.
How long should the garlic be roasted?
The garlic cloves should be roasted in their skins for approximately 15 minutes.
Do I need to peel the garlic before roasting?
No, you should roast the garlic cloves unpeeled and only remove the skins after they have been charred and softened.
Why should I rinse the white onion under cold water?
Rinsing the chopped onion under cold water helps to mellow its sharp flavor before adding it to the salsa.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted, including their juice.
Should I remove the stems from the jalapeños?
Yes, you should remove the stems from the jalapeños after roasting them and before placing them in the food processor.
How do I achieve a smooth or coarse consistency?
You can control the texture by pulsing the food processor a few times for a coarse salsa or more for a smoother consistency.
When should I add the cilantro and onion?
The cilantro and rinsed onion should be stirred into the tomato mixture thoroughly after the tomatoes have been processed.
What should I do if the salsa is too thick?
If the salsa is too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of water to reach your desired spoonable texture.
How much salt is typically needed?
Typically, about 1/2 teaspoon of salt is used, but you should adjust it to your personal taste.
Can I adjust the amount of lime juice?
Yes, while the recipe suggests 1 teaspoon, you can add more lime juice according to your preference.
How should I store the salsa if not serving it immediately?
Cover the salsa and keep it refrigerated.
What is a tip for making the salsa ahead of time?
If preparing ahead, wait to add the chopped onion and cilantro until just before serving to maintain maximum freshness.
How long will the salsa stay fresh in the refrigerator?
The salsa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a few days, which also allows the flavors to deepen.
What dishes pair well with this salsa?
It is excellent with Spicy Cilantro Scrambled Eggs for breakfast or Salmon in Luxurious Green Sesame Pipian for dinner.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This salsa is inspired by a cherished family recipe from the creator's housekeeper in Mexico.
Is this salsa considered spicy?
Yes, it has a spicy kick due to the inclusion of two roasted jalapeño peppers.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
While the recipe specifies canned fire-roasted tomatoes for convenience and flavor, you could use fresh roasted tomatoes if preferred.
What equipment is necessary for this recipe?
You will need a small skillet for roasting and a food processor for blending the ingredients.
Is there any oil used in the roasting process?
No, the jalapeños and garlic are dry-roasted in a skillet without oil.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Sauces.
Can I use red onion instead of white?
The recipe calls for white onion for its specific flavor profile, but red onion can be used as a substitute if needed.
Are the jalapeño seeds removed?
The instructions do not specify removing seeds; leaving them in will result in a spicier salsa.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 3 garlic cloves.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, all the ingredients are plant-based, making it suitable for vegans.
Does this salsa contain added sugar?
No, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
How much cilantro is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of loosely packed, roughly chopped fresh cilantro.