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- 4 ripe tomatoes, quartered - 1 medium red onion, roughly chopped - 2 cloves garlic, unpeeled - 1-2 jalapeño peppers, stemmed - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves - Juice of 1 lime - Salt to taste - Optional: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Fresh ingredients are key to a great salsa roja. Ripe tomatoes add natural sweetness. Red onion gives a nice crunch and bite. Garlic brings depth to the flavor. Jalapeños add heat, so choose one or two based on your spice level. Cilantro adds a fresh note that brightens the salsa. Lime juice gives a zesty kick. Adding smoked paprika is optional but can give a nice smoky flavor. Always use fresh herbs and spices for the best taste. When you gather these ingredients, think about how they will mix together. Each one plays an important role in creating a fresh and flavorful dish. Check the ripeness of your tomatoes. They should feel soft but not mushy. The onions should be firm, with no brown spots. Fresh cilantro should be bright green and fragrant. The jalapeños should be smooth and firm. You can find these ingredients at any grocery store or local market. Once you have everything, you’re ready to start making your salsa roja! For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps that follow. To start, you need to preheat your skillet over medium-high heat. This step is key for getting a nice char on your veggies. While the skillet heats, quarter your tomatoes and roughly chop your onion. Keep your garlic unpeeled; it will roast better this way. Prepare your jalapeños by removing the stems. You can adjust the number based on how spicy you want your salsa. Now that your skillet is hot, add the quartered tomatoes, chopped onion, garlic cloves, and jalapeños. Roast them for about 8 to 10 minutes. Turn them occasionally. You want the tomatoes to blister and the onion to soften. The goal is to achieve a perfect char. This gives your salsa a deep flavor. If you notice some blackened spots, that's a good sign! After roasting, remove the skillet from the heat. Let the veggies cool for a few minutes. Once cool, squeeze the garlic from its skins into your blender. Add the roasted tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. If you want a smoky taste, you can add smoked paprika too. Blend everything until you reach your desired consistency—smooth or chunky. Taste your salsa. Adjust the salt or lime juice if needed. Finally, transfer it to a bowl and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time lets the flavors mix well. For the full recipe, refer to the instructions above. To make your salsa roja shine, focus on fresh ingredients. Fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro really boost taste. You can adjust spice levels by choosing the right jalapeños. If you like it spicy, add more peppers. For milder salsa, just use one and remove the seeds. Always taste as you go. This way, you can perfect the seasoning. A touch of lime juice brightens flavors and adds a nice zing. The texture of your salsa can change based on how you blend it. If you want it smooth, blend longer. If you prefer a chunkier salsa, pulse the blender a few times. You can also add a bit of water if it’s too thick. For a unique twist, try blending half of the ingredients and mixing in the others by hand. This adds a fun texture. Remember to check the consistency before serving. These tips can help you create a salsa roja that fits your taste. For more specific steps, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can switch out some of the ingredients to make your salsa unique. If you don't have ripe tomatoes, you can use canned tomatoes. They still give great flavor. You can also try using yellow tomatoes for a sweeter taste. For the onion, red onions add a nice bite, but white or yellow onions work too. They bring different flavors that can be just as good. When it comes to spice, jalapeños are popular. However, you can use serrano or poblano peppers for a new twist. Each pepper has its own heat level, so pick one that matches your taste. Want to make your salsa even better? You can add herbs and spices to kick up the flavor. Fresh oregano or parsley gives a nice earthiness. A pinch of cumin adds warmth without being too strong. You can also try adding fruit for a fun twist. Diced mango or pineapple brings sweetness that pairs well with the tomatoes. This adds a fresh flavor and makes your salsa stand out. For the full recipe, you can explore more ways to enjoy this delicious simple salsa roja dish. To keep your salsa roja fresh, store it in the fridge right after making it. Use a clean, airtight container to seal in the flavors. This method helps prevent spills and keeps the salsa tasty. If you want to store salsa roja for longer, freezing is a great option. Pour the salsa into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top, as liquids expand when frozen. This way, you can enjoy your fresh salsa for months. In the fridge, salsa roja stays good for about 4 to 7 days. Make sure to check it often. If you notice any off smells or mold, it’s best to toss it out. You should also look for changes in color or texture. If your salsa has separated or looks watery, that’s a sign it might not be good anymore. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. Enjoy making your salsa roja! What is salsa roja? Salsa roja is a fresh and spicy tomato sauce. It comes from Mexico and uses simple ingredients. You can enjoy it with chips or on tacos. The taste is bright, and it adds a kick to many dishes. Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, you can make salsa roja ahead of time. In fact, it tastes better after chilling for a while. Let the flavors mix in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. You can store it for up to a week. Just keep it in an airtight container. What to serve with salsa roja Salsa roja pairs well with many foods. Use it as a dip for tortilla chips. You can also serve it with grilled meats, tacos, or burritos. It adds flavor to eggs and breakfast dishes too. Best uses for salsa roja beyond dipping You can use salsa roja in many fun ways. Drizzle it over grilled chicken or fish for added zest. Mix it into rice or quinoa for a tasty side dish. You can even use it to spice up soups and stews. Try it as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos. The options are endless! You learned how to make simple salsa roja with fresh ingredients. We covered prepping, roasting, and blending your veggies. I shared tips for perfect flavor and adjusting texture. You can even experiment with substitutions and flavor enhancements. Proper storage can keep your salsa fresh longer. Remember, salsa roja isn’t just for dipping! Use it in many dishes. Enjoy your homemade salsa and explore all its delicious uses.

- Simple Salsa Roja Recipe

Discover the vibrant flavors of Spicy Salsa Roja with this easy recipe! Made with roasted tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and just the right amount of jalapeño, this salsa is perfect for your next gathering. It takes only 15 minutes to prep and is bursting with deliciousness. Serve it chilled with tortilla chips or as a taco topping. Click to explore the full recipe and bring some spice to your table today!
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Ingredients
  

4 ripe tomatoes, quartered

1 medium red onion, roughly chopped

2 cloves garlic, unpeeled

1-2 jalapeño peppers, stemmed (adjust according to spice preference)

1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

Juice of 1 lime

Salt to taste

Optional: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for depth of flavor

Instructions
 

Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the quartered tomatoes, chopped onion, whole garlic cloves, and jalapeño peppers to the skillet.

    Roast the vegetables for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the tomatoes are slightly charred and blistered, and the onion is soft.

      Remove the skillet from heat and allow the roasted veggies to cool for a few minutes.

        Once cooled, squeeze the garlic from its skins directly into a blender or food processor. Add the roasted tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and salt (and smoked paprika, if using).

          Blend everything until you reach your desired consistency – smooth or chunky, depending on preference.

            Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lime juice as needed.

              Transfer the salsa to a bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in a vibrant bowl and garnish with additional cilantro leaves or lime wedges on the side, perfect for dipping tortilla chips or topping tacos.