Salsa Roja Recipe 45

Steps:

• Combine 1 large white onion, halved, 4 medium plum tomatoes (about 12 oz.), halved, 1-2 serrano chiles, 4 garlic cloves, and 3 oz. dried ancho, guajillo, and/or pasilla chiles, stems and seeds removed, in a medium saucepan, using fresh vegetables to weigh down dried chiles. Pour in water just to cover. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Cover and let sit until dried chiles are rehydrated and fresh vegetables are softened, 20-25 minutes.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer vegetables to a blender; reserve soaking liquid. Add ½ bunch cilantro, tough stems trimmed, coarsely chopped, juice of 1 lime, 1½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1 tsp. Morton kosher salt, ½ tsp. ground cumin, ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon, and 1 cup reserved soaking liquid. Blend, starting on low speed and gradually increasing to high, until smooth, about 2 minutes. Taste salsa and add more salt if needed.

Steps:

• Place the chiles, cilantro, garlic and onion in a medium Dutch oven. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients, 5 to 6 cups. Bring the water to a boil and allow everything to bubble for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and cover. Steep until the chiles have softened and the liquid has cooled, about 45 minutes.
• Transfer the contents of the Dutch oven to a blender using tongs and a ladle. Process everything until well combined, about 1 minute. Remove the lid of the blender and add the tomatoes and olive oil. Blend for another 30 seconds.
• Place a mesh strainer over the Dutch oven and pour the puree into it. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to slowly help all of the liquid through the strainer. Discard the pulp. Bring the strained roja to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow it to cool completely.
• Stir in the salt, black pepper and lime juice. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy with tortilla chips or anything that needs a little kick.

Steps:

• Place the first 10 ingredients in a food processor; cover and process until chopped. Add cilantro and lime juice; cover and pulse until combined. , Transfer to a bowl; stir in avocados. Serve with tortilla chips.

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:

• To make salsa: If using fresh tomatoes, place in a pot of simmering water and let cook until soft, about 15 minutes. Drain, remove stem ends, and purée with a blender.
• In a skillet, heat oil until shimmering. Add chilies, onion, garlic, cloves and canela (or spices), sprinkle with salt and cook over medium-low heat, stirring, until softened and golden, about 8 minutes. Add tomato purée or canned tomatoes and simmer, stirring often, until thickened and slightly sweet, about 15 minutes. Taste for salt. Purée with a blender until smooth.

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!