Fire Roasted Hot Salsa
A smoky, spicy fire-roasted salsa with charred tomatoes and jalapenos, perfect for dipping or topping, offering bold flavors suited for parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your barbecue grill to a high temperature.
- Remove stems from the tomatoes and rub olive oil over each tomato and jalapenos.
- Place the tomatoes and jalapenos on the hot grill.
- Turn the tomatoes and jalapenos after 10 minutes.
- Remove the peppers from the grill when their skins are mostly black.
- Remove the tomatoes from the grill when their skins are partially black and beginning to come off.
- Put the grilled tomatoes and peppers on a plate to cool.
- When cool, remove most of the skin from the tomatoes and place them into a food processor or blender.
- Pinch the stem end from each of the peppers and add them to the food processor or blender.
- Add the remaining ingredients and puree on high speed until smooth.
- Transfer the salsa to a covered container and chill for several hours or overnight to develop flavors.
- Enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
For a smokier flavor, consider adding a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the salsa. If you prefer a milder salsa, use fewer jalapeños or substitute them with bell peppers. Fresh lime juice can also enhance the salsa's brightness. Adjust the salt to taste, especially if you're using canned tomatoes. Experimenting with different types of tomatoes can yield varying flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this fire-roasted hot salsa with tortilla chips for a perfect appetizer or as a topping for grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with Mexican Black Beans and makes a great addition to any taco night. For a refreshing twist, enjoy it alongside Avocado-Tomato Salsa for a vibrant dip platter. This versatile salsa can also elevate your burritos or quesadillas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To retain freshness, ensure the salsa is covered tightly. If you want to freeze it, use freezer-safe containers and consume within three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving; the texture may change slightly but the flavor will remain intact.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fire Roasted Hot Salsa contains roughly 71 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (90% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1907mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes in a pinch, but fresh tomatoes yield the best flavor and texture. If using canned, opt for whole tomatoes packed in juice, and drain them to achieve a similar consistency. Roasting them in a pan can mimic the charred flavor of fresh tomatoes.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the salsa?
To adjust the spiciness, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before grilling, as most of the heat is concentrated there. Alternatively, use milder peppers or reduce the quantity of jalapeños. Adding a bit of sugar can also help balance the heat if it becomes too intense.
Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making the salsa a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Just give it a good stir before serving, as some separation may occur. This makes it a convenient option for parties or gatherings.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).