Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 medium-sized ripe tomatoes
- 1 small white onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2-3 jalapeño peppers (depending on desired spiciness)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or food processor
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the tomatoes and onion into quarters and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Peel the garlic cloves and add them to the baking sheet.
4. Cut the jalapeño peppers in half and remove the seeds and membranes. Add them to the baking sheet.
5. Roast the vegetables in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are slightly charred and soft.
6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the vegetables cool for a few minutes.
7. Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender or food processor.
8. Add the cilantro leaves, lime juice, and salt to the blender.
9. Pulse the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier salsa, pulse it less. If you prefer a smoother salsa, pulse it more.
10. Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
11. Serve the salsa immediately or store it 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: 400°F (200°C)
Serving size:
Makes about 2 cups of salsa
Nutritional information:
Per serving (2 tablespoons):
- Calories: 10
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 60mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Tomatoes: You can use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes. If using canned tomatoes, drain them before roasting.
- Jalapeño peppers: You can use other types of chili peppers, such as serrano or habanero, depending on your preferred level of spiciness.
- Cilantro: If you don't like cilantro, you can omit it or use parsley instead.
- Lime juice: You can use lemon juice instead of lime juice.
Variations:
- Mango Salsa: Add 1 cup of diced fresh mango to the salsa for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Pineapple Salsa: Add 1 cup of diced fresh pineapple to the salsa for a tropical flavor.
- Corn Salsa: Add 1 cup of cooked corn kernels to the salsa for a crunchy texture.
Tips and tricks:
- If you want a milder salsa, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño peppers before roasting.
- You can adjust the spiciness of the salsa by adding more or less jalapeño peppers.
- To make the salsa more flavorful, you can add a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika.
- If you prefer a smoother salsa, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
Storage instructions:
Store the salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
You can serve the salsa cold or at room temperature. If you prefer to serve it warm, you can heat it up in a saucepan over low heat.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the salsa in a bowl or jar with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or grilled meats.
Garnishes:
You can garnish the salsa with additional cilantro leaves or diced avocado.
Pairings:
The salsa pairs well with Mexican dishes such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or quesadillas.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the salsa with tortilla chips, guacamole, or a side salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the salsa is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water or vegetable broth to thin it out.
- If the salsa is too watery, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove excess liquid.
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 that have been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- If you are serving the salsa at a party or gathering, make sure to keep it chilled on ice to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
Salsa Roja is a traditional Mexican sauce made with roasted tomatoes, chili peppers, onion, and garlic. It is a staple in Mexican cuisine and is often served as a condiment or dip.
Flavor profiles:
The salsa has a smoky, slightly sweet, and spicy flavor profile.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the salsa as a dip for tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or grilled meats.
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Region: Mexican