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This homemade salsa is my go-to for gatherings or taco nights when I want bold flavor in five minutes. Everything goes straight into the blender and out comes a bright fresh salsa that rivals any restaurant. If you want the true experience, pair it with some freshly fried tortilla chips and enjoy the full table spread.
I first whipped up this salsa one summer for a barbecue and everyone kept coming back for more. Now it is my most requested recipe for family parties because it never lasts long.
Ingredients
- Fire roasted canned tomatoes: provide rich deep tomato flavor with just the right hint of smokiness. Look for fire roasted on the can for best results
- White onion: brings sweetness and sharpness to balance the acidity. Pick onions that feel firm and heavy for their size
- Jalapeno peppers: add just the right kick. Younger jalapenos mean less heat and smoother skin
- Fresh garlic cloves: offer pungency and aroma for a true homemade taste. Use plump firm cloves
- Fresh lime juice: lifts and brightens the flavors. Always use freshly squeezed so nothing tastes flat
- Cilantro: gives a signature herbal note. Choose leaves that look perky and deeply green
- White granulated sugar: gently rounds out acidity. A tiny bit works magic in the background
- Salt: sharpens and heightens every ingredient so do not skip
- Cumin: brings earthy warmth to make it taste truly Mexican. Ground cumin from a fresh bottle gives best flavor
- Chipotle chili powder: delivers a whiff of smokiness and extra heat. Adjust based on your heat preference and use a fresh spice for real punch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Measure and Prepare:
- Gather all ingredients first and get out your blender. Peel onion and garlic. Slice jalapenos in halves and decide if you want to remove seeds for less heat
- Layer the Blender:
- Add fire roasted tomatoes first so there is plenty of liquid at the bottom to help everything blend smoothly. Pile onion, jalapeno, garlic, cilantro and squeeze fresh lime juice over them. Sprinkle in sugar, salt, cumin, and chipotle chili powder
- Pulse to the Perfect Texture:
- Pulse blender just a few times so salsa comes together but is not a smooth puree. Check that pieces are small and even. Stop blending before everything turns to liquid so you still see specks of green and little red chunks
- Taste and Adjust:
- Spoon out a little salsa and give it a taste with a chip. Add extra salt or chili powder if needed. If too thick add a spoonful of tomatoes or water and pulse again
- Chill or Serve:
- Enjoy salsa right away for a bright fresh flavor or transfer salsa to a jar and chill for one hour if you want the flavors to meld and deepen even more
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The combination of fire roasted tomatoes and chipotle chili powder is what makes this salsa taste so unforgettable. Every time I make it I think of my little brother insisting on extra jalapeno because he loves the heat and how we all laugh around the kitchen as the chips disappear fast.
Storage Tips
This salsa keeps beautifully chilled in a glass container for up to one week. Always use a clean spoon so it stays fresh. You can also freeze it in flat zip bags and thaw in the fridge for instant chips and salsa next time.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find fire roasted canned tomatoes use regular canned tomatoes and add a pinch of extra chipotle powder for more smokiness. Fresh tomatoes work too especially in summer but simmer them briefly after blending for a richer flavor. If you are out of white onion try red onion for tang.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salsa with crispy tortilla chips tacos grilled chicken burritos or as a topping for scrambled eggs. It is also great spooned over rice bowls or spread on sandwiches for a punchy twist. At parties it disappears especially fast beside guacamole and queso.
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Cultural Roots
This style of salsa called salsa roja or salsa de mesa is classic on every restaurant table in Mexico. It is meant to be scooped as a snack before the main meal and encourages sharing laughter and good conversation. Each region and household makes their own version with personal tweaks.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes this salsa flavorful?
The use of fire roasted tomatoes adds a smoky depth, while fresh cilantro and lime juice brighten the blend. Seasonings like cumin and chipotle chili powder introduce warmth and complexity.
- → How can I adjust the spiciness?
Adjust the heat by choosing younger jalapeños for mildness or older ones with more veins for added spice. Leaving in or removing seeds also controls intensity. For more heat, add cayenne or a spicier chili variety.
- → Can fresh tomatoes be used instead of canned?
Fresh Roma or San Marzano tomatoes can be used, but simmering the salsa with a bit of cooking oil for about 15 minutes helps develop a deeper flavor similar to canned fire roasted tomatoes.
- → What is the best way to store the salsa?
Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness and flavor.
- → Are homemade tortilla chips difficult to make?
Not at all. They can be fried quickly in hot oil until golden or baked in the oven for a healthier option, both resulting in crispy chips perfect for serving alongside the salsa.
- → Can the salsa be frozen?
Yes, transfer the salsa into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze. Texture may change slightly upon thawing but flavor remains vibrant.