Charred Salsa Roja Recipes

Steps:

• Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Add the tomatoes, garlic, chiles and onion and cook, turning occasionally, until charred on all sides, about 3 minutes for the garlic, 4 to 5 minutes for the chiles, 6 to 8 minutes for the onion and 8 to 10 minutes for the tomatoes. Transfer to a plate to cool. When cool enough to handle, peel the garlic.
• Add the tomatoes, garlic, chiles, onion, cilantro, lime juice and 1 tablespoon salt to a blender and puree on low speed, stopping to scrape the sides and bottom to ensure an even texture, until the salsa is almost smooth but some small pieces remain. Season with salt and more lime juice if needed.

Steps:

• Tear all the chiles into large pieces and toast them in a large dry skillet over medium heat until they change color a bit, about 2 minutes. Add the spices and continue to toast for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is fragrant. Remove from heat and carefully add about 1 cup of hot water to just cover the chiles. Turn the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes.
• Preheat the broiler. Put the quartered tomatoes, sliced onion, and whole garlic cloves onto a roasting tray, spreading out evenly. Drizzle with plenty of olive oil and season well with salt and pepper and sprinkle with cilantro sprigs. Broil until everything is nicely charred, about 10 minutes (you want lots of deep rich color so don't be afraid if some of the edges get pretty black).
• Add the chile mixture to a blender and puree. Remove the tomato/onion mixture from the roasting pan and carefully add it to the blender, (it will be hot). Blend until smooth (you may need to work in 2 batches). Once everything is pureed, pour the mixture back into the pot over low heat adding a little water if the salsa is too thick. Stir in the sugar and lime juice and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer to a large serving bowl and serve.

Steps:

• In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, char the outside of the tomatoes, garlic, and chiles and then add the onion and cumin seeds, continue to cook about 3 minutes. Add the tomato juice, water, lime zest, lime juice, and salt and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. When the tomatoes have nearly lost their skins and the garlic is softened, puree the sauce in a blender briefly, leaving the final product slightly chunky. Slightly funky.
• Let cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Do Ahead
• Salsa roja will keep for up to 7 days and is always better on day two!

Steps:

• Heat a barbecue or griddle pan over a high heat. Blitz all the salsa ingredients together in a food processor until smooth and combined. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
• Put the lettuce or kale in a large bowl and toss with the olive oil and some sea salt. Grill on the barbecue or griddle pan, rotating often, until the veg has softened slightly and the leaves are charred in places. This adds texture and flavour. To serve, put the veg on a platter and serve the salsa on the side, or spooned over the veg.