Salsa Caliente
A vibrant, smoky salsa with roasted tomatoes and jalapenos, perfect for dipping or topping dishes, offering bold flavors suited for Mexican cuisine enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the grilled tomatoes with peppers and garlic; blend to a puree.
- Cook onion in oil until opaque.
- Add tomato mixture and cook 15 to 20 minutes or until no longer raw tasting.
- The mixture should be smooth.
- Add chicken stock if too thick.
- Season with salt to taste.
- This sauce freezes well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier salsa, include more jalapenos or leave the seeds in. If tomatoes are out of season, canned fire-roasted tomatoes can be a great substitute. Consider adding a squeeze of lime for brightness. This salsa also works well as a topping for Chicken A La Mexicale or as a dip with tortilla chips for a vibrant snack.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salsa caliente warm or at room temperature as a dip with tortilla chips, or use it as a flavorful sauce over grilled meats. It pairs wonderfully with enchiladas, making it a perfect accompaniment for Enchilada Soup. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh cilantro and diced avocado before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in small portions. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock if needed to maintain the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Salsa Caliente contains roughly 264 calories, with 2g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 563mg per serving (24% 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 make this salsa ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salsa can be made a day or two in advance. In fact, it often tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator, and give it a good stir before serving.
How can I adjust the heat level of the salsa?
To adjust the heat, simply modify the number of jalapenos you use. For a milder salsa, remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers. If you prefer more heat, try adding some diced serrano peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
What can I serve with this salsa?
This salsa pairs excellently with a variety of dishes. Use it as a topping for grilled chicken, fish, or tacos. It also complements well with Mexican recipes like Chicken Green Chili Casserole or as a side for nachos. Don't hesitate to get creative with your pairings!
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).