Description
This Simple Roasted Tomato Salsa recipe combines roasted tomatoes with fresh onions, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice to create a flavorful, slightly smoky salsa perfect for chips or as a topping for various dishes. Roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor, making this salsa both easy and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Produce
- 2 pounds Fresh Tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes work best)
- 1 medium Red Onion (Finely chopped)
- 1 unit Jalapeño Pepper (Finely chopped, adjust based on heat preference)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro (Chopped)
- 1 unit Lime Juice (Freshly squeezed)
Pantry
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Optional but recommended for roasting)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for roasting the tomatoes.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Slice Tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and slice them in half lengthwise, ensuring even roasting.
- Arrange Tomatoes: Place the tomato halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet for optimal roasting.
- Season and Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes and sprinkle with salt to enhance flavor during roasting.
- Roast Tomatoes: Roast the tomatoes in the oven for 25-30 minutes until they are soft and slightly charred, which intensifies their flavor.
- Chop Fresh Ingredients: While tomatoes roast, finely chop the red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro, and squeeze fresh lime juice.
- Cool and Mash: Remove the roasted tomatoes from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes, then mash them to your preferred salsa consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice to the mashed tomatoes and mix thoroughly to blend all flavors.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or lime juice if desired for a balanced flavor profile.
- Rest the Salsa: Let the salsa sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
- Serve: Serve fresh with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or any favorite dishes.
Notes
- For a milder salsa, remove the seeds from the jalapeño before chopping.
- Use Roma tomatoes for less watery salsa, but vine-ripened tomatoes provide more sweetness.
- Adjust the roasting time for a smokier flavor by increasing time slightly if desired.
- Salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adding a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika can enhance the flavor profile.
