Imagine a vibrant, smoky salsa that captures the heart and soul of Mexican cuisine in just one spoonful. This traditional ranchera sauce is not just a condiment – it's a culinary journey that transforms ordinary dishes into extraordinary experiences. With simple ingredients and a few expert techniques, you'll create a restaurant-quality salsa that will have your family and friends begging for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 4 tomatoes
- 1/2 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Cut the tomatoes into quarters, removing the stem area.
- Peel and roughly chop the half onion into medium-sized pieces.
- Peel the garlic cloves and leave them whole.
- Place a comal or heavy skillet over medium-high heat without adding any oil.
- Roast the tomato quarters, onion pieces, and whole garlic cloves directly on the hot surface, turning occasionally to ensure even charring.
- Continue roasting until the vegetables develop dark char marks and become soft, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the roasted vegetables from heat and let them cool slightly for 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender or food processor.
- Add fresh chopped cilantro and salt to taste.
- Blend the mixture until you achieve a smooth, consistent sauce texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt as required.
- Let the salsa cool to room temperature before serving or storing.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor and charring results
- Use a cast-iron skillet or traditional comal for authentic roasting
- Don't rush the roasting process – letting vegetables develop deep char marks is key to rich, smoky flavor
- Adjust the heat by leaving some seeds in the sauce or removing them completely
- For a smoother consistency, strain the salsa after blending
- Store in an airtight container and let flavors meld for even more intense taste
- Experiment with adding a small amount of chile de árbol for extra heat
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving
- Serve at room temperature for optimal flavor release
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 30kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
