🔥 Authentic Mexican Salsa Roja (Roasted Red Salsa)
🕒 Prep Time: 10 min
🕒 Cook Time: 10 min
🍽️ Yields: About 2 cups
🌶️ Ingredients:
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4-5 ripe Roma tomatoes
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2-3 serrano chiles (or jalapeños for milder heat)
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2 cloves garlic, unpeeled
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¼ small white onion
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Salt to taste (about 1 tsp)
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Small handful of fresh cilantro (optional)
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Splash of water, if needed to blend
🍳 Instructions:
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Roast the tomatoes, chiles, garlic, and onion on a comal (griddle), cast iron pan, or under the broiler, turning occasionally, until blackened and blistered (about 10 minutes).
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Peel the garlic and transfer all roasted ingredients to a blender or molcajete.
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Blend until smooth or slightly chunky, depending on your preference. Add salt to taste and a splash of water if too thick.
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(Optional) Add fresh cilantro and pulse a few times more.
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Let it rest for 15–20 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.
📝 Notes:
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For a more smoky and traditional flavor, use a molcajete (stone mortar and pestle).
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To make it Salsa Verde, swap the tomatoes for tomatillos.
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Add a squeeze of lime juice for brightness if desired.
This salsa pairs perfectly with tacos, grilled meats, eggs, or even just tortilla chips. Let me know if you’d like a salsa verde, chipotle salsa, or a salsa macha (chile oil-style)!