Name: Roasted Tomato Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 lbs Roma tomatoes; 6 garlic cloves; 1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce; 1 large white onion; 1 large jalapeño; 1 handful fresh cilantro; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 tsp fine sea salt; ½ tsp ground cumin

This homemade roasted tomato salsa is a flavorful twist on the classic salsa. It's made from fresh ingredients that are roasted to bring out their full flavor. The smoky and spicy chipotle chile and fresh cilantro add a unique touch to this salsa, making it a perfect condiment for your favorite Mexican dishes.

Photos of Roasted Tomato Salsa Recipe

The chipotle chile in adobo sauce might not be a common ingredient in your pantry. You can find this in the Latin section of most supermarkets. It's smoked and dried jalapenos in a tangy and slightly sweet adobo sauce. Also, use fresh cilantro, not dried, for the best flavor.

Roasted Tomato Salsa Ingredients

Roma tomatoes: These are plum tomatoes that are less juicy and have more flesh, making them perfect for salsa.

Garlic cloves: Adds a strong and pungent flavor.

Chipotle chile in adobo sauce: Brings a smoky and spicy flavor.

White onion: Gives a slightly sweet and mild flavor.

Jalapeno: Adds a spicy kick. Use less if you prefer less heat.

Cilantro: Provides a fresh and slightly citrusy flavor.

Lime juice: Adds a tangy freshness.

Sea salt: Enhances all the other flavors.

Ground cumin: Brings a warm and earthy flavor.

One reader, Dalt Pressley says:

This roasted tomato salsa recipe is a game-changer! The smoky flavor from the roasted tomatoes and jalapeños is simply irresistible. The combination of garlic, onion, and cilantro adds a burst of freshness. It's the perfect balance of heat and tanginess. I can't get enough of it!

Dalt Pressley

Techniques for Making Roasted Tomato Salsa

How to roast the tomatoes, garlic, onion, and jalapeño: Arrange the tomatoes, garlic, onion, and jalapeño skin side up on a baking sheet and broil until they are blistered and blackened. Remove the skin from the garlic cloves before transferring the ingredients to a food processor or blender.

How to puree the salsa: Add the roasted ingredients to a food processor or blender along with cilantro, lime juice, sea salt, and ground cumin. Puree the salsa until it's smooth while it's still warm.

How to adjust the seasoning: Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or lime juice if needed before serving.

How To Make Roasted Tomato Salsa

Enjoy munching on chips with this savory tomato salsa, made with jalapeno, cilantro, and fresh lime juice, for a rich and flavorful dip!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 7 minutes

Total: 17 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2lbsRoma tomatoes,halved lengthwise
6garlic cloves,unpeeled
1chipotle chile in adobo sauce
1large white onion,peeled, cut into ½-inch rounds
1large jalapeño,cored, halved
1handfulfresh cilantro
1tbsplime juice,freshly-squeezed
1tspfine sea salt
½tspground cumin

Instructions

Preheat the broiler to high.
Arrange the tomatoes skin side up, garlic cloves, onion, and jalapeño skin side up in an even layer on a large baking sheet.
Broil for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the tomatoes and jalapeños have blistered and blackened thoroughly on top. Remove the pan from the oven, then peel and discard the skin from the garlic cloves.
Transfer the tomatoes, garlic, onion, and jalapeño to the bowl of a food processor or blender.
Add in the cilantro, lime juice, sea salt, and ground cumin, then puree the salsa until it’s smooth while it’s warm.
Taste, and season with extra salt or lime juice, if needed.
Serve with chips, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 69.69kcal
Fat: 0.61g
Saturated Fat: 0.09g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.12g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.23g
Carbohydrates: 15.49g
Fiber: 3.87g
Sugar: 8.46g
Protein: 2.97g
Sodium: 688.42mg
Calcium: 44.85mg
Potassium: 667.18mg
Iron: 1.06mg
Vitamin A: 208.13µg
Vitamin C: 54.16mg

Crucial Technique for Perfect Roasted Tomato Salsa

When roasting the tomatoes and jalapeños, it's important to keep a close eye on them. The goal is to achieve a charred, blistered skin which imparts a smoky flavor to the salsa. However, you don't want them to be overly burnt as it can result in a bitter taste. Also, when blending the ingredients, pulse in short bursts rather than blending continuously. This will give you more control over the texture of the salsa, allowing you to achieve your preferred consistency, whether you like it chunky or smooth.

Time-Saving Tips for Roasted Tomato Salsa

Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all your ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly chop and blend ingredients for the salsa.

Multi-task: While the salsa is broiling, use that time to prepare other components of your meal to save time.

Substitute Ingredients For Roasted Tomato Salsa Recipe

roma tomatoes - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are smaller and sweeter, which will add a slightly different flavor and texture to the salsa.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute, but use it sparingly as it is more concentrated in flavor than fresh garlic.
chipotle chile in adobo sauce - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can provide a similar smoky flavor to the salsa without the heat of the chipotle chile.
white onion - Substitute with red onion: Red onion can be used as a substitute for white onion, providing a slightly milder and sweeter flavor to the salsa.
jalapeño - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano pepper can be used as a substitute for jalapeño, offering a similar level of heat and flavor to the salsa.
fresh cilantro - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro, providing a similar fresh and herbaceous flavor to the salsa.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can be used as a substitute for lime juice, providing a slightly different citrus flavor to the salsa.
fine sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can be used as a substitute for fine sea salt, but adjust the quantity as kosher salt is less dense than fine sea salt.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander can be used as a substitute for cumin, providing a similar warm and earthy flavor to the salsa.

Presenting Your Roasted Tomato Salsa

Elevate the plating: When presenting the roasted tomato salsa, carefully arrange the chips in a decorative pattern on the plate, creating a visually appealing base for the salsa.
Garnish with fresh cilantro: Sprinkle a few fresh cilantro leaves on top of the salsa to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Incorporate a touch of heat: For an added element of surprise, sprinkle a pinch of finely chopped jalapeño on top of the salsa to showcase the spicy kick of the dish.
Highlight the vibrant colors: Arrange the roasted tomato salsa in a small, white ramekin to showcase the vibrant red hue of the salsa against the clean backdrop, creating a visually striking presentation.
Add a drizzle of olive oil: Just before serving, lightly drizzle a high-quality olive oil over the top of the salsa to enhance the flavors and add a touch of elegance to the dish.
Serve with artisanal tortilla chips: Pair the roasted tomato salsa with carefully selected artisanal tortilla chips, arranged in a stylish manner to elevate the overall presentation.
Use a unique serving vessel: Consider serving the roasted tomato salsa in a creative and unique vessel, such as a hollowed-out bell pepper or a small, polished stone bowl, to add an unexpected element to the presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Salsa

Baking sheet: A flat, metal sheet used for baking and roasting foods in the oven.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used to chop, blend, and puree food quickly and efficiently.
Blender: An appliance used to blend, mix, and puree ingredients into smooth liquids or purees.
Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and chopping ingredients.
Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing and combining ingredients.
Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for mixing, spreading, and turning ingredients.
Citrus juicer: A tool used for extracting juice from citrus fruits such as limes and lemons.
Measuring spoons: Utensils used to measure small amounts of ingredients accurately.
Measuring cups: Utensils used to measure dry or liquid ingredients accurately.
Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used to chop, blend, and puree food quickly and efficiently.
Blender: An appliance used to blend, mix, and puree ingredients into smooth liquids or purees.

Storing and Freezing Roasted Tomato Salsa

Once the salsa has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store the salsa in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you want to freeze the salsa, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Leave about an inch of headspace at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing.
Label the container with the date and contents, then place it in the freezer. The salsa will keep well for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen salsa, transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Once thawed, give the salsa a good stir to redistribute any separated liquid.
Note: The texture of the salsa may change slightly after freezing and thawing, becoming slightly more watery. If this happens, you can drain off some of the excess liquid or simmer the salsa in a pot over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency.
For best quality, consume the thawed salsa within 3-4 days and do not refreeze it.

How To Reheat Leftover Roasted Tomato Salsa

The best way to reheat leftover roasted tomato salsa is to warm it up gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired temperature. This method helps to preserve the texture and flavor of the salsa without overcooking or burning it.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can reheat the salsa in the microwave. Transfer the desired amount of salsa to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through. Be careful not to overheat the salsa, as it can cause the flavors to become muted or the texture to become mushy.
For a more rustic approach, you can reheat the salsa on the stovetop using a cast-iron skillet. Place the salsa in the skillet over medium-low heat and stir occasionally until it's warmed through. This method can help to enhance the smoky flavors of the roasted tomatoes and add a subtle char to the salsa.
If you have a lot of leftover salsa, consider portioning it out into smaller containers before reheating. This way, you can reheat only what you need and avoid repeatedly reheating the entire batch, which can affect the quality of the salsa over time.
When reheating the salsa, feel free to adjust the seasoning as needed. The flavors may have mellowed during storage, so you might want to add a squeeze of fresh lime juice, a pinch of salt, or some freshly chopped cilantro to brighten up the taste.

Interesting Fact About Roasted Tomato Salsa

The roasted tomato salsa recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative to store-bought salsa. It is packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the fresh tomatoes, garlic, and jalapeño. This homemade salsa is also a great way to control the amount of sodium and preservatives in your diet. Plus, the roasting process enhances the flavors of the ingredients, giving the salsa a rich and smoky taste. Enjoy this salsa with your favorite chips or use it as a topping for tacos, burritos, or grilled meats. It's a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal!

Is Making Roasted Tomato Salsa at Home Cost-Effective?

This roasted tomato salsa recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as tomatoes, onion, and garlic, are affordable and widely available. The recipe yields a large batch, making it suitable for multiple servings. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $8-10. The versatility of this salsa, paired with its low cost, makes it a great addition to any household's recipe repertoire. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Is Roasted Tomato Salsa Healthy?

This roasted tomato salsa recipe is a healthier alternative to store-bought salsas, as it uses fresh ingredients and avoids added sugars or preservatives. The tomatoes provide a good source of vitamin C and lycopene, while the garlic and onion offer antioxidants and potential heart health benefits. The jalapeño and chipotle chile add a spicy kick along with some capsaicin, which has been linked to boosting metabolism. However, the recipe does contain a significant amount of salt, which could be a concern for those watching their sodium intake.

To make this salsa even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of salt used, or replace it with a salt substitute like potassium chloride
Add more fresh herbs like oregano or basil for extra flavor and nutrients
Include additional vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots to increase the fiber content
Use a mixture of different colored tomatoes (e.g., red, yellow, and green) to provide a wider range of antioxidants and phytochemicals
Experiment with other spices like smoked paprika or chili powder to enhance the flavor profile without relying on salt

Editor's Take on This Roasted Tomato Salsa Recipe

The roasted tomato salsa recipe is a delightful blend of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors. The roasting process intensifies the sweetness of the tomatoes and adds a depth of flavor to the salsa. The combination of garlic, onion, and jalapeño creates a rich and aromatic base, while the chipotle chile in adobo sauce adds a subtle smokiness. The addition of cilantro and lime juice provides a refreshing and zesty finish. This salsa is versatile and can be enjoyed with chips, tacos, grilled meats, or as a topping for various dishes. It's a perfect balance of flavors that will elevate any meal.

Enhance Your Roasted Tomato Salsa Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Guacamole: Create a refreshing and creamy guacamole with ripe avocados, diced tomatoes, finely chopped red onions, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with the roasted tomato salsa for a perfect pairing.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinate chunks of chicken in a zesty blend of lime juice, garlic, and cilantro, then grill them to perfection. The smoky flavor of the grilled chicken complements the roasted tomato salsa beautifully.

Fruit Salsa: Combine diced mango, pineapple, and red bell pepper with a splash of orange juice and a sprinkle of chili powder for a sweet and spicy fruit salsa. Serve alongside the roasted tomato salsa for a unique twist on traditional salsa.

Cornbread: Bake a batch of golden, fluffy cornbread to accompany the roasted tomato salsa. The slightly sweet and savory flavors of the cornbread pair perfectly with the smoky and spicy salsa.

Chili-Lime Shrimp: Toss plump shrimp in a mixture of chili powder, lime juice, and garlic, then sauté until they're perfectly cooked. The tangy and spicy shrimp is a delightful addition to the roasted tomato salsa.

Similar Recipes to Try

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: These skewers are a perfect way to enjoy a variety of vegetables in one dish. The combination of flavors and textures will surely satisfy your taste buds.

Braised Beef Stew: This hearty stew is perfect for a cozy night in. The tender beef and flavorful broth will warm you up from the inside out.

Mango Sorbet: This refreshing sorbet is a delightful way to end a meal. The sweet and tangy flavor of mango makes it a perfect summer treat.

Perfect Main Courses and Desserts to Pair With Roasted Tomato Salsa

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: For a light and flavorful main course, try grilling salmon with a zesty lemon and herb marinade. The combination of the smoky char from the grill and the bright, fresh flavors of the marinade create a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a summer dinner.

Beef Stir-Fry: Create a quick and satisfying beef stir-fry by marinating thinly sliced beef in a savory soy and ginger sauce, then stir-frying it with an assortment of colorful vegetables. The tender beef and crisp vegetables come together in a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth and decadent texture will melt in your mouth with every spoonful.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the creamy and tangy flavors of a classic strawberry cheesecake, topped with a luscious layer of fresh strawberries. The combination of sweet and tart will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Why trust this Roasted Tomato Salsa Recipe:

This roasted tomato salsa recipe is a must-try for any salsa lover. The use of fresh roma tomatoes and jalapeño adds a burst of flavor, while the chipotle chile in adobo sauce gives it a smoky kick. The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the ingredients, creating a rich and robust flavor profile. With the addition of lime juice and cilantro, this recipe promises a zesty and refreshing taste. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the careful preparation to deliver a delicious and authentic salsa experience.

Share your thoughts and experiences with this Roasted Tomato Salsa Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

How long does this roasted tomato salsa last in the refrigerator?

This roasted tomato salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving if it separates.

Can I freeze this roasted tomato salsa?

Yes, you can freeze this roasted tomato salsa. Place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, leaving some room for expansion, and it should keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.

How spicy is this salsa?

The level of spiciness in this salsa can vary depending on the heat of the jalapeño and chipotle chile. If you prefer a milder salsa, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before roasting.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?

While fresh tomatoes are recommended for the best flavor, you can use canned fire-roasted tomatoes as a substitute. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid before blending.

What can I serve this salsa with?

This roasted tomato salsa is perfect for dipping with tortilla chips, topping on tacos, quesadillas, or grilled meats, or even as a flavorful addition to eggs or sandwiches. It's a versatile condiment that adds a burst of flavor to many dishes.