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A bowl of red salsa and a bowl of green salsa served with tortilla chips.

Salsa Roja and Salsa Verde

Salsa Roja and Salsa Verde are vibrant sauces that enhance any meal with their burst of flavor, perfect for dipping or dressing.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 18

Ingredients
  

Salsa Roja Ingredients
  • 6-7 pieces Roma tomatoes Juicy and tart, these tomatoes form the base of your salsa.
  • 10-13 pieces chile puya or chile de árbol These dried chiles add smokiness and depth.
  • 2-3 pieces serrano peppers Spicy and vibrant, they bring the heat.
  • 2-3 pieces jalapeño peppers Fresh and slightly sweet, these peppers provide a lovely flavor balance.
  • 1/4 cup white onion Sweet and aromatic, onion enhances the salsa's overall profile.
  • 3-6 cloves garlic Pungent and savory, garlic adds richness.
  • to taste salt Essential for enhancing all those lovely flavors.
  • 1-1 1/2 cups water Used to adjust consistency and assist in cooking.
  • 1 tablespoon oil For sautéing the ingredients.
Salsa Verde Ingredients
  • 2 lbs tomatillo milpero or regular tomatillo Tart and juicy, tomatillos are the star of this salsa.
  • 6-8 pieces serrano peppers They add a gentle heat to the mix.
  • 1/4 cup white onion Enhances sweetness and flavor.
  • 3-6 cloves garlic This ties the flavors together.
  • 1 handful fresh cilantro Adds brightness and herbaceous flavor.
  • to taste salt Seasoning is key!
  • 1-1 1/2 cups water To help in blending and cooking.

Method
 

Salsa Roja Preparation
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, add dried chile puya, serrano, jalapeño, onion, and garlic. Drizzle with a little oil and sauté until fragrant, about 5-6 minutes.
  2. In a separate pot, cover the Roma tomatoes with water and bring it to a boil. Cook until the skins begin to peel, about 10 minutes—this step is optional.
  3. Transfer the sautéed ingredients to a blender. Add a splash of the tomato cooking water and let them sit for a moment.
  4. Continue cooking the remaining ingredients until they caramelize slightly and add them to the blender along with the cooked tomatoes.
  5. Add more cooking water (about 1/2 cup) if needed to help blend smoothly. Season with salt and blend on high until smooth.
  6. Transfer the blended salsa back to the saucepan and cook over medium heat for at least 10 minutes.
Salsa Verde Preparation
  1. Prepare a large comal or griddle lined with foil. Sear the washed tomatillos over medium heat for about 13-17 minutes, turning occasionally until they start to blacken.
  2. On another comal, roast the serranos and onion for 15 minutes, turning occasionally.
  3. Once roasted, keep the tomatillos, serranos, and onion wrapped in foil for a few minutes to steam.
  4. Combine the roasted ingredients in a blender with fresh garlic, cilantro, salt to taste, and approximately 1 cup of water. Blend on high until smooth.
  5. Pour the blended salsa into a saucepan and cook for at least 10 minutes on medium heat.
Final Steps
  1. Transfer both salsas to glass jars, seal, and allow them to cool at room temperature before refrigerating.
  2. The salsas can last for about 7-10 days when stored properly.

Notes

For an extra depth of flavor in Salsa Roja, consider roasting the tomatoes before blending. Adjust heat levels by varying hot pepper quantities.