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Fire-Roasted Salsa

A robust, smoky salsa made by charring tomatoes, peppers, and onions under the broiler, then blending with fresh cilantro and lime.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Calories: 35

Ingredients
  

  • 6 medium Roma tomatoes about 1.5 lbs
  • 2 jalapeño peppers
  • 1 medium white onion peeled and quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic unpeeled
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves loosely packed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice from 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

Equipment

  • rimmed baking sheet
  • tongs
  • blender or food processor
  • cutting board
  • knife
  • bowl

Method
 

  1. Position an oven rack 6 inches from the broiler and preheat the broiler to high.
  2. Place the Roma tomatoes, jalapeños, onion quarters, and unpeeled garlic cloves on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil for 10-12 minutes, turning once halfway, until the tomato skins are blackened and blistered in spots and the onion edges are charred.
  3. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Transfer the garlic cloves to a small bowl to cool slightly. Let the remaining vegetables cool on the sheet for 5 minutes.
  4. Once cool enough to handle, peel the garlic cloves and discard the skins. For the jalapeños, you can leave the stems on but remove the blackened skins if you prefer a milder salsa (the skins add bitterness). If you want less heat, slice the jalapeños open and scrape out the seeds and white ribs before adding to the blender.
  5. Transfer the charred tomatoes, jalapeños, onion, and peeled garlic to a blender or food processor. Add the cilantro, lime juice, salt, and cumin.
  6. Pulse 8-10 times for a chunky salsa, or blend continuously for 15-20 seconds for a smoother texture. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice as needed.
  7. Transfer to a bowl and let rest for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months (thaw overnight in the fridge). Serving tip: This salsa pairs well with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or scrambled eggs. Common allergen note: This recipe is naturally free from the top 9 allergens. For specific dietary needs, consult a qualified professional.