Salsa Roja

Name: Salsa Roja
Ingredients: 1 dried ancho chile, stemmed and seeded; 1 dried Anaheim chile, stemmed and seeded; 2 dried chipotle chiles, stemmed and seeded; 1 tablespoon dried oregano, preferably Mexican; 1 tablespoon cumin seeds; 1 tablespoon coriander seeds; 1 cup hot water; 8 plum tomatoes, quartered; 1 medium Spanish onion, sliced; 3 garlic cloves; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 2 sprigs cilantro; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 lime, juiced

15 ingredients

14 steps

Ingredients

1 dried ancho chile, stemmed and seeded
1 dried Anaheim chile, stemmed and seeded
2 dried chipotle chiles, stemmed and seeded
1 tablespoon dried oregano, preferably Mexican
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
1 cup hot water
8 plum tomatoes, quartered
1 medium Spanish onion, sliced
3 garlic cloves
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 sprigs cilantro
1 tablespoon sugar
1 lime, juiced

Directions

1

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.
2

Add the spices and continue to toast for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is fragrant.
3

Remove from heat and carefully add about 1 cup of hot water to just cover the chiles.
4

Turn the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes.
5

Preheat the broiler.
6

Put the quartered tomatoes, sliced onion, and whole garlic cloves onto a roasting tray, spreading out evenly.
7

Drizzle with plenty of olive oil and season well with salt and pepper and sprinkle with cilantro sprigs.
8

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).
9

Add the chile mixture to a blender and puree.
10

Remove the tomato/onion mixture from the roasting pan and carefully add it to the blender, (it will be hot).
11

Blend until smooth (you may need to work in 2 batches).
12

Once everything is pureed, pour the mixture back into the pot over low heat adding a little water if the salsa is too thick.
13

Stir in the sugar and lime juice and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
14

Transfer to a large serving bowl and serve.