10 MINUTE RESTAURANT STYLE FIRE ROASTED SALSA

My restaurant style salsa recipe is one I make all the time when Mexican food is on the menu or when we just want a snack of salsa and chips.

I do a quick char on the fresh tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños to build flavor. This can be done on either a gas range, on the grill or even by broiling).  Then I  blend them with diced tomatoes, cilantro, lime, and spices for a smooth-ish roasted salsa that is perfect for dipping. It comes together in about ten minutes and tastes just like the salsa served at our favorite Mexican restaurants.

Serve it with tortilla chips, tacos, burrito bowls, or anything that could use a spoonful of fresh homemade salsa.

INGREDIENTS

4 Roma tomatoes

1 (796 ml) can diced tomatoes, well drained

1 large white onion, cut in half

1 small red onion, cut in half

3 to 4 jalapeños

1/3 cup canned jalapeños with a little of the juice

4 to 5 garlic cloves

1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Juice of 1 lime

1 tsp sugar, optional

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp Mexican oregano (optional)

1 tsp salt, plus more to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Place the Roma tomatoes, jalapeños, and onion halves directly over the flame of an indoor gas grill or on a preheated BBQ grill over direct heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, checking often, or until the vegetables begin to char. Flip and cook another 5 minutes until nicely blistered.

2. If you do not have a grill, place the vegetables on a sheet pan and broil in the oven until charred, turning once.

3. Transfer the vegetables to a bowl and allow them to cool slightly.

4. Remove the stems from the jalapeños and remove some of the seeds if you prefer a milder salsa.

5. Add the grilled vegetables and all remaining ingredients to a food processor.

6. Pulse until the salsa reaches your desired texture.

7. Taste and adjust with additional salt, lime juice, or sugar if needed.

8. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.