This Easy Salsa Roja is a quick and tasty way to spice up your meals! Made with just 6 simple ingredients, it’s fresh, zesty, and oh-so-delicious! 🍅
I love dunking tortilla chips in this salsa while watching a movie! It’s super easy to make, just blend, and serve. Plus, you’ll impress everyone with your homemade flair!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes are essential for the freshest taste. If you can’t find ripe ones, canned fire-roasted tomatoes make a great standby. Just drain them first!
Onion: A small white onion works best for its mild flavor, but red onion can be used for a touch of sweetness. Avoid yellow onions as they can overpower the salsa.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is ideal, providing that punchy flavor. If you’re short on fresh garlic, use garlic powder, though fresh is always better for a vibrant taste.
Jalapeño Peppers: Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer jalapeños. For a milder kick, you can replace them with poblano peppers.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives the salsa its classic flavor. If cilantro doesn’t suit your taste, fresh parsley is an excellent alternative.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the salsa up. Bottled lime juice can work in a pinch, but it won’t have the same freshness.
How Do I Roast the Vegetables Perfectly?
Roasting the vegetables brings out deep flavors and adds a nice smokiness to the salsa. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a dry skillet over medium heat to get a good char without burning. No oil needed!
- Keep an eye on the veggies and turn them until the tomato skin is blistered and the onion is softened. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Let the roasted veggies cool slightly before blending to avoid burns and help retain fresh flavors.
By following these tips, your salsa will be bursting with flavor, perfect for dipping or topping! Enjoy your salsa creation!
Easy Salsa Roja Recipe with 6 Simple Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes
- 1 small white onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers (adjust to heat preference)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time. After that, it needs to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. So total, about 50 minutes to enjoy this delicious salsa!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Roast the Vegetables:
Start by preheating a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the tomatoes, which you can leave whole, and cut the onion into quarters and add it to the dry skillet along with the garlic cloves (also whole) and the whole jalapeños. This roasting will bring out the amazing flavors!
2. Cook Until Charred:
Roast the vegetables in the skillet, turning occasionally. Keep an eye on them until the skins of the tomatoes are beautifully charred and blistered, and the onion and jalapeños have softened, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Once done, remove them from heat and let them cool for a bit.
3. Prepare for Blending:
After the vegetables have cooled a little, peel the roasted garlic cloves. If you want, you can peel the tomatoes too — this will help improve the texture of your salsa. Just be careful; they might be a tad hot!
4. Blend Everything Together:
In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic, and jalapeños. Add in the fresh cilantro and lime juice. Blend everything until smooth or to your desired consistency, whether you like it chunky or silky!
5. Season to Taste:
Once everything is blended, add salt to taste — this helps bring all the flavors together. Give it a quick blend to mix in the salt!
6. Chill and Serve:
Pour your salsa into a bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let all those wonderful flavors meld together. When you’re ready to serve, enjoy it with tortilla chips, on tacos, or as a yummy topping for your favorite dishes. Enjoy your homemade salsa roja! 🌶️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned fire-roasted tomatoes as a convenient alternative! Just drain them before blending for the best texture and flavor.
How Do I Adjust The Heat Level?
To adjust the heat, simply use fewer jalapeños or substitute with milder peppers like green bell peppers. For added heat without increasing the count of jalapeños, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salsa?
Leftover salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as some separation may occur.
Can I Freeze This Salsa?
Absolutely! Freeze the salsa in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before use. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing but the flavor will remain delicious!
