Get ready to transform your kitchen into a Mexican culinary paradise with this mouthwatering Salsa de Chili recipe that will set your taste buds on fire! Imagine a vibrant, bold sauce that captures the heart and soul of traditional Mexican cuisine - a perfect blend of smoky dried chiles, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic spices that will elevate any dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're a spice lover or a culinary adventurer, this homemade salsa will become your secret weapon in creating restaurant-quality Mexican flavors right at home!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 4 dried red chiles
- 2 tomatoes
- 1/2 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the dried red chiles under cold water to remove any dust or impurities. Remove the stems and seeds from the chiles to reduce the heat, if desired.
- In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add the prepared chiles and let them simmer for about 10 minutes until they are softened. This will help rehydrate the chiles.
- While the chiles are simmering, chop the tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Set them aside for later use.
- After the chiles have softened, drain them and transfer them to a blender or food processor. Add the chopped tomatoes, onion, and garlic to the blender.
- Blend the mixture until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of water to reach your desired consistency.
- In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully pour the blended chile mixture into the skillet.
- Cook the salsa over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help to deepen the flavors and allow the salsa to thicken slightly.
- Add salt to taste, adjusting according to your preference. Stir well to incorporate the salt into the sauce.
- Once the salsa has reached your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Transfer the salsa to a serving bowl or an airtight container. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator if not serving immediately.
- Your Salsa de Chili is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it with tortilla chips, tacos, or as a condiment with your favorite Mexican dishes.
Tips
- Chile Selection: Choose dried chiles carefully - ancho, guajillo, or pasilla chiles work wonderfully for a complex flavor profile.
- Softening Technique: When rehydrating dried chiles, use hot water instead of boiling to preserve their delicate flavors and prevent bitterness.
- Consistency is Key: Adjust the sauce's thickness by adding water gradually during blending. For a smoother sauce, strain through a fine-mesh sieve.
- Flavor Enhancement: For deeper flavor, consider dry-roasting the tomatoes, onions, and garlic before blending.
- Heat Control: Remove chile seeds to reduce spiciness, or keep them for an extra kick.
- Storage Tip: This salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the salsa cool to room temperature before serving to allow the flavors to fully bloom and meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 20kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
