Authentic Mexican Salsa Roja: A Classic Homemade Recipe
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Category
Sauce
Cuisine
Mexican
Author:
Ryan Nelson
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Indulge in the rich flavours of our "Authentic Mexican Salsa Roja: A Classic Homemade Recipe." This delightful recipe encapsulates the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine, combining succulent Roma tomatoes, fiery jalapeños, crisp onions, and fragrant cilantro. Each spoonful of this salsa is a symphony of tastes, melding the deep, robust notes of the tomatoes with the gentle heat of the jalapeños, complemented by the refreshing zest of cilantro. Crafted for simplicity and ease, this recipe takes you through a series of straightforward steps to create an authentic Mexican and irresistibly tasty salsa. Perfect as a topping for your favourite tacos, a dip for crunchy tortilla chips, or a vibrant addition to grilled meats, our Salsa Roja will become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
-
4-5 ripe Plum tomatoes
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 1 small white onion
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
-
A small bunch of fresh coriander
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon of lime juice (optional)
- Water (for boiling)
Directions
Preparation:
Wash the tomatoes, jalapeños, and cilantro thoroughly.
Peel the onion and garlic.
Roughly chop the onion and cilantro.
Cooking Tomatoes and Jalapeños:
In a pot, add enough water to cover the tomatoes and jalapeños.
Bring the water to a boil, then add the tomatoes and jalapeños.
Boil them for about 10-15 minutes until they soften.
Blending Ingredients:
Once the tomatoes and jalapeños are soft, remove them from the water and let them cool for a bit.
- In a blender, combine the boiled tomatoes and jalapeños, raw onion, garlic, cilantro, and a pinch of salt.
- Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Taste and adjust the salt as needed. Add a teaspoon of lime juice if you like a bit of tang.
Adjusting Consistency and Flavour:
- If the salsa is too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
- For a spicier salsa, include some or all of the jalapeño seeds in the blender.
Serving:
- Serve your Salsa Roja in a bowl. It can be enjoyed with tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, or as a topping for various Mexican dishes.
Storing:
- Salsa Roja can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Recipe Note
Tortilla Chips Dip: Serve it as a classic dip for tortilla chips, perfect for snacking or as a starter.
Taco Topping: Use it to top tacos, adding a fresh and spicy flavor that complements meats, vegetables, and beans.
With Quesadillas and Burritos: A great addition to quesadillas and burritos, providing a zesty twist.
Eggs and Breakfast Dishes: Spice up your breakfast by adding it to scrambled eggs, omelettes, or huevos rancheros.
Grilled Meats and Fish: Serve alongside grilled meats and fish as a refreshing, flavour-packed accompaniment.
With Rice and Beans: Mix it into rice and beans for a flavourful Mexican-inspired side dish.
Stuffed Avocados: Use it as a filling for halved avocados for a healthy and tasty snack or light meal.
On Baked Potatoes: A spoonful on baked potatoes can transform a simple dish into something special.
Recipe Nutrition
Here's a rough nutritional estimate per serving (considering the recipe makes about 4 servings):
- Calories: 20-30 kcal per serving - The majority of the calories come from the tomatoes and onion.
- Carbohydrates: 4-6 grams - Primarily from tomatoes and onions.
- Fibre: 1-2 grams - Tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños contribute to the fibre content.
- Protein: Less than 1 gram - Vegetables contain minimal protein.
- Fat: Negligible - This recipe is virtually fat-free unless you add ingredients like avocado.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamin C: Tomatoes and jalapeños are good sources. Potassium: Mostly from tomatoes. Folate: Present in small amounts in all the vegetables used.
- Sodium: This can vary significantly based on how much salt is added. Without added salt, the sodium content is minimal.
- Sugar: Around 2-3 grams - Naturally occurring in tomatoes and onions.
This salsa is a low-calorie, nutritious option, high in vitamins and fiber, and low in fat and protein. It's a healthy addition to any meal, offering a burst of flavor without adding significant calories. Remember, these values are approximate and can vary based on the exact ingredients and their quantities.
