Introduction
Discover the vibrant and flavorful world of homemade roasted tomato salsa with this simple recipe. Perfect for elevating your snacks, enhancing your tacos, or as a dip for parties, this roasted salsa combines fresh ingredients that come together to create a burst of flavor in every bite. With a balance of sweetness from the Roma tomatoes and a hint of spice from the jalapeño peppers, this salsa is sure to please anyone who tastes it.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 8 Roma tomatoes
– ½ small onion
– 2 jalapeño peppers
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon pepper
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– ½ teaspoon cumin
– 2 cloves garlic
– Juice of ½ lime
– ½ cup fresh cilantro
Prep Time
Preparation takes roughly 10 minutes.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cooking time is approximately 25 minutes. In total, this recipe will take about 35 minutes from start to finish. Yield is about 2 cups of salsa, perfect for sharing!
To make this mouthwatering salsa, we follow straightforward steps to roast the ingredients, blend them into perfection, and enjoy a dip that is sure to impress.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the vegetables get properly roasted.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Arrange the 8 Roma tomatoes, ½ small onion (cut in half), and 2 jalapeño peppers on a large baking sheet. Drizzle everything with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and ½ teaspoon of cumin over the vegetables. Toss them to coat evenly with the oil and spices.
Step 3: Roast the Vegetables
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the vegetables for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, switch the oven setting to broil and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly charred.
Step 4: Transfer to Food Processor
Carefully transfer the roasted vegetables and any juices from the baking sheet into a food processor. Add 2 cloves of garlic and the juice of ½ lime to the processor.
Step 5: Blend the Mixture
Blend the mixture until it is smooth. Once blended, add ½ cup of fresh cilantro and pulse the mixture a few times until the cilantro is incorporated but still chunky.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, lime juice, or other spices according to your preference.
Step 7: Serve or Store
Serve the salsa immediately with your favorite chips or dishes. Alternatively, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later use.
Notes
Note 1: Freshness of Ingredients
Using fresh Roma tomatoes and cilantro enhances the flavor and quality of the salsa.
Note 2: Spice Level
Adjust the number of jalapeño peppers based on your preference for spice. Removing the seeds will also reduce the heat.
Note 3: Serving Suggestions
This salsa pairs well with tortilla chips, grilled meats, or as a topping for tacos and burritos.
Note 4: Storage Instructions
Salsa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure it is in a sealed container to maintain freshness.
Cook techniques
Roasting Vegetables
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and enhances the flavors of the onions and jalapeños. Use high heat (400°F/200°C) to blister and caramelize the vegetables, which adds depth to the final dish.
Blending
After roasting, blend the vegetables with garlic and lime juice to create a smooth texture. You can adjust the consistency by blending longer for a finer puree or shorter for a chunkier salsa.
Adjusting Flavor
Taste the mixture after blending and adjust seasoning as needed. Consider adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice to enhance the overall flavor according to personal preference.
Storing
Store the salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for several days, making it a great option for meal prep or quick snacks.
FAQ
Can I use other types of tomatoes?
Yes, you can substitute Roma tomatoes with other varieties such as vine-ripened or grape tomatoes, but the flavor and texture may vary.
How spicy is this recipe with jalapeños?
The spiciness will depend on the size and ripeness of the jalapeños. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can remove the seeds and membranes or substitute with milder peppers.
Can I make this salsa in advance?
Absolutely! This salsa can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors may even improve after sitting for a day.
What can I serve this salsa with?
This salsa is versatile and can be served with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or as a topping for salads.
Can I freeze the salsa?
Yes, you can freeze the salsa in an airtight container for up to 3 months. However, the texture may change slightly once thawed.
Conclusion
This roasted salsa recipe is a delightful blend of smoky, spicy, and fresh flavors that can elevate any dish. The preparation is simple and yields a vibrant sauce perfect for dipping, topping, or mixing into various meals. Enjoy the versatility it brings to your table!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Classic Guacamole
Mash ripe avocados and mix in diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, lime juice, and cilantro for a creamy dip.
Chili con Carne
Incorporate this roasted salsa as a base for a rich and hearty chili with ground beef, beans, and spices.
Taco Filling
Use the salsa as a topping for tacos filled with grilled chicken, beef, or vegetables, adding an extra kick of flavor.
Stuffed Peppers
Mix cooked rice, black beans, and roasted salsa to stuff bell peppers before baking them to perfection.
Southwestern Salad Dressing
Blend the roasted salsa with yogurt or sour cream for a zesty dressing to drizzle over salads.
Grilled Fish or Chicken Marinade
Marinate your choice of fish or chicken in the salsa before grilling for a deliciously smoky flavor.
Quesadilla Filling
Spread the roasted salsa between tortillas with cheese and other fillings before grilling for a quick and tasty meal.
