Authentic Mexican Salsa Roja Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 medium-sized tomatoes
- 1/2 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2-3 serrano or jalapeño peppers
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Blender or food processor

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tomatoes and onion in half and place them on a baking sheet, cut side up.
3. Add the garlic cloves (with the skin on) and the serrano or jalapeño peppers to the baking sheet.
4. Roast the vegetables in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until they are soft and slightly charred.
5. Remove the skin from the garlic cloves and the stems from the peppers.
6. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted vegetables, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
7. Pulse the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
9. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- Makes about 2 cups of salsa
- Serving size: 2 tablespoons

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 10
- Total fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total carbohydrates: 2g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 0g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones if you don't have access to fresh tomatoes.
- If you don't like spicy food, you can omit the serrano or jalapeño peppers.

Variations:
- You can add a teaspoon of cumin or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- You can add a diced avocado for a creamy texture.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to remove the skin from the garlic cloves after roasting them.
- Adjust the amount of serrano or jalapeño peppers to your desired level of spiciness.
- If you want a chunkier salsa, pulse the mixture fewer times in the blender or food processor.

Storage instructions:
- Store the salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating instructions:
- This salsa is best served cold, so there's no need to reheat it.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the salsa in a colorful bowl to make it more visually appealing.

Garnishes:
- You can garnish the salsa with additional cilantro or a slice of lime.

Pairings:
- This salsa goes well with tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, or grilled meats.

Suggested side dishes:
- Serve this salsa with a side of guacamole and chips.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the salsa is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all the vegetables before preparing the salsa.
- Store the salsa in the refrigerator and discard any leftovers after 5 days.

Food history:
- Salsa roja is a traditional Mexican condiment that has been around for centuries.

Flavor profiles:
- This salsa is tangy, slightly spicy, and has a smoky flavor from the roasted vegetables.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve this salsa as a dip for tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or grilled meats.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Mexican

Taste: Spicy, Tangy, Smoky, Savory, Zesty