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Chile De Arbol Salsa Recipe

Chile De Arbol Salsa Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Fiery chile de arbol salsa dances with intense Mexican flavor, bringing scorching heat and deep complexity to your table. Culinary adventurers will discover a simple blend of roasted chiles, garlic, and tangy vinegar that elevates any dish with bold, authentic zest.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 20 dried chile de arbol peppers
  • 2 Roma tomatoes
  • ¼ small white onion
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) apple cider vinegar or lime juice
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) water

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chile de arbol peppers by gently heating them in a dry skillet over medium flame. Carefully toast the peppers for about 30-45 seconds, moving them constantly to prevent burning. The peppers should release a robust, smoky aroma and develop a slightly darkened appearance. Transfer the toasted peppers to a separate plate.
  2. Utilize the same skillet to roast tomatoes, garlic, and onion. Allow the vegetables to char and soften, rotating them periodically to ensure even caramelization. This process will develop deep, rich flavors and enhance the overall complexity of the salsa.
  3. Transfer the roasted vegetables and toasted peppers into a blender. Add apple cider vinegar, salt, and water to create a smooth, vibrant mixture. Pulse and blend until the ingredients transform into a cohesive, uniform sauce. Adjust the liquid quantity to achieve desired consistency.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in the skillet and carefully pour the blended salsa. Simmer the mixture, stirring intermittently, to intensify the flavor profile and allow the ingredients to meld together harmoniously.
  5. Conduct a comprehensive taste evaluation, adjusting salt and vinegar levels to balance the salsa’s heat and tanginess. Allow the salsa to cool slightly, enabling the flavors to stabilize and develop further depth.
  6. Present the salsa as a versatile condiment alongside tacos, grilled proteins, or as a zesty accompaniment to tortilla chips. The vibrant sauce can elevate various culinary creations with its bold, spicy character.

Notes

  • Carefully toast chile de arbol peppers without burning to prevent bitter flavors and preserve their vibrant heat.
  • Roasting vegetables directly in the skillet creates deeper, smokier undertones that enhance the salsa’s complexity.
  • Use fresh, high-quality tomatoes for a more robust and authentic flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
  • Experiment with acid levels by adjusting apple cider vinegar or lime juice to balance the salsa’s spiciness and brightness.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 40
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg