Fire-Roasted Hot Salsa
This Fire-Roasted Hot Salsa is a smoky, spicy homemade salsa made with charred organic tomatoes, peppers, onion, and garlic, then blended with fresh lime, cilantro, and warming chile spices. It’s perfect for dipping with tortilla chips or adding bold roasted flavor to tacos, nachos, eggs, and more.
Ingredients
- 6 organic Roma tomatoes halved
- ½ medium organic white onion cut into large chunks
- 4 organic garlic cloves peeled
- 2 organic jalapeños
- 2 organic serrano peppers
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh organic cilantro
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt plus more to taste
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- 1–2 tablespoons water only if needed
Instructions
Char the Vegetables
- Heat the ghee in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over high heat. Add the tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, serranos, and garlic, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Let the Vegetables Roast
- Cook for about 8–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the tomatoes are softened and the vegetables develop plenty of dark, charred spots.
- Keep an eye on the garlic, as it can brown quickly. If it begins getting too dark, remove it from the skillet before the other vegetables are finished.
Blend the Salsa
- Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender or food processor. Add the cilantro, lime juice, ancho chile powder, cayenne, chili powder, sea salt, and ghee from the skillet.
- Blend until combined, being careful not to completely puree the salsa.
Adjust the Texture & Flavor
- Pulse until the salsa reaches your preferred texture, leaving some texture for scooping with tortilla chips.
- Taste and adjust with additional sea salt, lime juice, or cayenne as desired. If the salsa is too thick, add water 1 tablespoon at a time.
Let It Rest
- Transfer the salsa to a bowl and let it rest for about 15–20 minutes before serving. This gives the roasted vegetables, peppers, spices, and lime time to meld together.
Serve
- Serve with tortilla chips or alongside tacos, quesadillas, nachos, eggs, and your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.
Notes
The ingredients I use throughout my recipes reflect my personal food philosophy, which prioritizes whole, minimally processed foods and higher-quality options when available, such as organic produce, pasture-raised or grass-fed meats, and responsibly sourced ingredients. I encourage choosing these options when they are accessible to you, but they are not required to make a delicious and nourishing meal. Use the ingredients that work best for your lifestyle, preferences, and budget.
Learn more about my preferred ingredients and why I choose them here.