Description
Chili de Arbol Salsa is a vibrant and spicy Mexican sauce made from toasted dried arbol chilies, roasted tomatoes, garlic, and onions. This authentic salsa delivers a smoky, fiery flavor perfect for elevating tacos, grilled meats, or as a dip. Simple to make with minimal ingredients, it embraces traditional techniques of toasting and sautéing for a rich, well-rounded taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Chilies and Vegetables
- 6-8 dried arbol chilies
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup onion
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1/2 cup water (more if needed)
Instructions
- Toast Chilies: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the dried arbol chilies for about 1-2 minutes, flipping frequently to prevent burning, until they release a fragrant aroma.
- Prepare Ingredients: Remove the stems and seeds from the toasted chilies. Roughly chop the tomatoes, onion, and garlic to get them ready for cooking and blending.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing them to soften and develop a slight char for deeper flavor.
- Blend Salsa: Combine the toasted chilies, sautéed tomatoes, garlic, onion, salt, optional sugar, and 1/2 cup of water in a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth, adding additional water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Season to Taste: Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or sugar to balance the flavors as preferred.
- Serve or Store: Pour the salsa into a serving bowl and enjoy immediately, or refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to one week for later use.
Notes
- Be careful not to burn the chilies when toasting as it can impart bitterness.
- Removing chili seeds reduces heat intensity, so keep some seeds if you want spicier salsa.
- This salsa can be stored refrigerated for up to 7 days.
- If using fresh chilies as a substitute, adjust cooking time and spice level accordingly.
- Add a splash of lime juice for a fresh tangy twist if desired.
