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Recipe for the most delicious charred, smoky slasa roja (red salsa). Made with heirloom tomatoes, poblano and jalapeno peppers.

Charred, Smoky Salsa Roja (Fresh or Canned Recipe)

Course: Condiments
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: canned salsa roja recipe, salsa roja, salsa roja recipe
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Canning time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4 (fresh salsa) 1 cup per serving
Calories: 68kcal
Author: Victor
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Ingredients

Ingredients for fresh salsa roja (makes about 4 cups)

  • 2 lbs tomatoes cored, but not peeled
  • 1 poblano pepper cored and seeded, cut in halves lengthwise
  • 1 medium onion cut in half
  • 1 jalapeno pepper plus more to taste
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 3/4 tsp white pepper

Ingredients for canned salsa roja (makes about four 1-pint jars or 8 cups)

  • 4.5 lbs tomatoes cored, but not peeled
  • 1/2 lb poblano peppers cored and seeded, cut in halves lengthwise
  • 1/2 lb onions cut in halves
  • 2 jalapeno peppers plus more to taste; cored and seeded, cut in halves lengthwise
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 cup chopped cilantro
  • 3 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1 1/2 tsp white pepper
  • 10 Tbsp 5% white vinegar do not change the amount of vinegar

Instructions

To make fresh salsa roja

  • Preheat the broiler. Place the tomatoes, garlic cloves, onion halves (cut side up), and chiles (skin side up) on a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil on the top rack. Remove garlic cloves after 4-5 minutes once they get brown. Broil tomatoes and chiles for 6-8 minutes until the skins are nicely charred, flip and broil for another 6-8 minutes. Broil onions for about 10 minutes until the tops are nicely charred.
  • Alternatively, you may roast and char your vegetables on a cast iron pan over medium-high heat.
  • Better yet, do that on a gas or charcoal grill. Make sure the grate is as close to the heat source as possible. If using a charcoal grill, add a few wood chunks (oak, hickory, pecan) for the vegetables to acquire a smoky flavor.
  • Place the vegetables in a food processor, along with the salt, white pepper, cilantro, and any juices. Process for about 15-20 seconds until the texture is smooth. Taste for heat, and add more charred jalapenos if necessary.

To make canned salsa roja

  • Place fresh salsa made using the steps above into a large pot, add the vinegar, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, frequently stirring.
  • Once the mixture is boiling, lower the heat and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, sterilize jars and lids with rings.
  • Ladle the salsa into the prepared jars leaving a 1/2" headspace. Wipe the rims, put the lids and the rings on, and tighten finger-tight.
  • Process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes (0-1,000ft) or 20 minutes at 1,001 - 6,000 ft and 25 minutes above 6000 ft.
  • Let the jars cool down at room temperature for 12-24 hours, remove the rings, check the seals, and store them in a warm, dry, and dark place for up to a year for optimum freshness.
  • Once open, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Calories: 68kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 888mg | Potassium: 700mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2327IU | Vitamin C: 64mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg