Homemade Salsa with Roasted Tomatoes and Jalapeños

This homemade salsa is the perfect balance of spicy, smoky, and fresh. The roasted tomatoes give it a complex flavor, while the jalapeños add just the right amount of heat. The fresh cilantro and lime juice brighten up the salsa and make it the perfect topping for tacos, burritos, or chips and guacamole.

I've always been a fan of salsa, but I've never been able to find one that I really love. They're either too bland, too spicy, or too chunky. So I decided to take matters into my own hands and create my own salsa recipe. I started with a base of roasted tomatoes, which give the salsa a deep, smoky flavor. Then I added jalapeños for heat, garlic and onion for flavor, and fresh cilantro and lime juice for brightness. The result is a salsa that is flavorful, spicy, and refreshing. It's the perfect topping for any Mexican dish, or even just for eating with chips and guacamole.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 25 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• Roma tomatoes
• Jalapeño pepper
• Garlic cloves
• White onion
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime juice
• Sea salt
• Ground cumin

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice tomatoes in half and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast tomatoes on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly charred.
4. Remove the stem and seeds from the jalapeño and finely dice.
5. In a large bowl, combine roasted tomatoes, jalapeños, minced garlic, chopped onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and cumin.
6. Stir well to combine.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Why It Works

• Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their flavor and gives the salsa a smoky depth.
• Adding jalapeños to the salsa provides just the right amount of heat.
• The fresh cilantro and lime juice brighten up the salsa and make it the perfect topping for any Mexican dish.