Smoky Roasted Tomato Salsa
Smoky Roasted Tomato Salsa is one of those dishes that turns any casual gathering into a culinary event. As I prepare this Smoky Roasted Tomato Salsa, the kitchen fills with the enticing aroma of charred vegetables, signaling that something special is on the way. I start by arranging ripe tomatoes, yellow onions, garlic cloves, and serrano peppers on a baking sheet, each piece coated with a generous drizzle of vegetable oil. The broiler does its magic, turning the vegetables into smoky treasures that I can’t wait to blend into a salsa that’s both vibrant and comforting.
From Broiler to Bowl
Once the veggies are beautifully charred, I transfer them to my trusty food processor. The sound of the blender whirring brings me a sense of anticipation. Adding the salt and ground cumin, I pulse the mixture just enough to keep it slightly chunky. I taste, adjust the heat with more serrano peppers if needed, and add a splash of fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. The Smoky Roasted Tomato Salsa starts to come together, and I’m always amazed at how such simple ingredients can create such complex, satisfying flavors.
A Flavorful Finish
The final touches are always my favorite part. I take a moment to taste the salsa and make any necessary adjustments with a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lime juice. With the Smoky Roasted Tomato Salsa ready, I scoop it into a rustic bowl, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and served alongside crispy tortilla chips. Whether enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled, this salsa never fails to impress my guests.
Versatility at Its Best
This Smoky Roasted Tomato Salsa is a true crowd-pleaser. Its smoky depth pairs perfectly with anything from chips and guacamole to a hearty black bean salad. It’s one of those recipes that I love to keep in my repertoire because it’s as versatile as it is delicious. Each batch brings a touch of excitement to any meal, and the rich, roasted flavors always make me proud of the simple yet stunning results.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Smoky Roasted Tomato Salsa
- Use Ripe Tomatoes: The flavor of the salsa relies heavily on the quality of the tomatoes. Opt for ripe, vine-ripened tomatoes for the best taste. If fresh tomatoes are not available, canned fire-roasted tomatoes are a good alternative.
- Adjust Heat to Taste: Serrano peppers add a nice kick, but they can be quite spicy. Start with one pepper and taste as you go. You can always add more if you prefer extra heat.
- Broiling Tip: Make sure to place the oven rack about 5 inches from the heating element to ensure the vegetables get nicely charred. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Blending Texture: For a chunkier salsa, pulse the mixture just a few times. For a smoother consistency, blend for a longer time. You can adjust according to your preference.
- Finishing Touches: Adding cilantro and lime juice at the end brightens up the flavors. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley is a good substitute. Adjust the lime juice to your taste to balance the salsa.
Smoky Roasted Tomato Salsa
4
servings10
minutes15
minutes69
kcal25
minutesDive into the rich, smoky flavors of this Roasted Tomato Salsa! Perfect for any gathering, this salsa combines charred tomatoes, mellowed onions, and a hint of heat from serrano peppers. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dip that pairs beautifully with chips, guacamole, or a fresh black bean salad. Get ready to impress your guests with this easy-to-make, flavor-packed salsa!
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Ingredients
- Vegetables
4 ripe tomatoes on the vine, cut into quarters
2 small yellow onions, sliced into wedges
6 peeled garlic cloves
3 serrano chili peppers, stems removed (adjust for desired heat)
- Seasonings
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp ground cumin
- Fresh Additions
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice (from one lime)
- Alternative Ingredients:
Tomatoes: Use canned fire-roasted tomatoes if fresh are unavailable.
Yellow Onions: Substitute with red onions for a slightly different flavor.
Serrano Chili Peppers: Replace with jalapeños for a milder heat.
Vegetable Oil: Olive oil can be used as an alternative.
Cilantro: Parsley can be used if cilantro is not preferred.
Lime Juice: Lemon juice can be used in place of lime juice.
Directions
- Preparation – Preheat your broiler and position an oven rack about 5 inches below the heating element. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the quartered tomatoes, onion wedges, garlic cloves, and whole serrano peppers on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with vegetable oil and toss to coat evenly. Broil for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are softened and charred.
- Blending – Transfer the roasted vegetables and any juices to a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Add the salt and ground cumin. Pulse until the mixture is slightly chunky.
- Adjusting Heat – If you prefer a milder salsa, start by adding only one serrano pepper to the food processor. Taste and add more peppers as desired.
- Finishing Touches – Add the chopped cilantro and freshly squeezed lime juice to the food processor. Pulse until the cilantro is finely chopped and well incorporated.
- Serving – Taste the salsa and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice if needed. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve warm, at room temperature, or slightly chilled.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- baking sheet
- food processor
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 69kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 173mg
- Potassium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Vitamin A: 15IU
- Vitamin C: 20mg
- Calcium: 2mg
- Iron: 3mg
FAQs- Smoky Roasted Tomato Salsa
Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salsa up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
What if I don’t have a broiler?
If you don’t have a broiler, you can roast the vegetables in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) until they are softened and slightly charred, which should take about 20-25 minutes.
Can I freeze the salsa?
Yes, you can freeze the salsa. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
How can I adjust the consistency of the salsa?
For a chunkier salsa, pulse less. For a smoother consistency, blend for a longer time. You can also adjust by adding a little bit of water if needed.
What can I serve this salsa with?
This salsa is versatile and can be served with tortilla chips, used as a topping for tacos and grilled meats, or mixed into a fresh black bean salad. It also pairs well with guacamole.
