Chipotle Tomato Salsa

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered how to spice up taco night? This chipotle tomato salsa is about to become your new best friend. It's got a smoky kick that'll make your taste buds sing!

Brief Overview

Salsa's roots run deep in Mexican cuisine. Our version is quick, easy, and ready in under 30 minutes. It makes about 1 cup. Serve with chips or on, like, everything .

Main Benefits

Honestly, this salsa is a nutritional powerhouse. tomatoes are packed with antioxidants. it's the perfect party snack or a tasty addition to any meal, i reckon.

What makes this special? the chipotle gives it a deep, smoky flavour you just won't find anywhere else!

Ready to dive into the ingredients?

The Star: Chipotle Tomato Salsa

Okay, so you've probably had salsa before. but have you had this salsa? this chipotle tomato salsa recipe is a game changer.

Trust me. it's vibrant, fresh, and has a serious smoky depth thanks to those beautiful chipotle peppers.

It’s really easy to throw together. it takes no time to prepare and you don't have to be gordon ramsey to get it right, you know.

The best part? it tastes amazing on just about anything.

This recipe calls for about 20 minutes of prep and chill time. It is a winner.

This salsa is a fantastic way to add a bit of excitement to your snacks. I mean, who doesn't love a good salsa? This version is vegan as well.

Okay, let's dive into what you'll need to make this amazing chipotle tomato salsa. Seriously, you'll be hooked!

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients: Time to Shop!

Alright, gather 'round, amigos! to nail this chipotle tomato salsa , quality matters. first, grab 1 pound (450g) of super ripe tomatoes.

Think roma or plum you know, the ones that smell like sunshine. if they ain't smelling good, they ain't gonna taste good either.

You'll also need 1/2 of a medium white onion. don't sweat the chop; it's going in the blender anyway. plus, 2 cloves of garlic, because garlic makes everything better, right? now, for the stars of the show: 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

And don't toss that sauce! you'll need 1 tablespoon of it. trust me, it adds a smoky kick . finally, 1/4 cup (60ml) each of fresh cilantro and lime juice.

I'm serious about the lime being fresh. bottle stuff? nah. for some extra taste, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin will put the magic touch.

Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up!

Okay, so, honestly , the chipotle tomato salsa lives or dies by the chipotle peppers. start with one, taste, and add more adobo for heat.

Cumin is your secret weapon. it adds warmth . if you are out of chipotle peppers, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of chipotle powder, but it won't have the same smoky depth.

You can also use some hot sauce with a smoky flavour to taste instead.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!

You really don't need a fancy kitchen for this. you'll need a cutting board, a good knife (doesn't have to be fancy!), and a blender or food processor.

If you’re roasting the tomatoes (and honestly , you should it's next level flavour!), you'll need a small skillet. you can actually use the oven tray if you are cooking for a lot of people! oh, and measuring cups and spoons, duh !

i know what you're thinking "can i make leftover mashed potato pancakes or mashed potato cakes with this?" well, absolutely you can!

Honestly, this salsa is a game changer. and remember those holiday leftovers of mashed potato pancakes , transform it by making potato patties .

Get creative with this sauce! it's a great way to spice up any of your potato recipes side dishes , including, a potato cakes recipe .

You can even make some leftover mashed potato cakes the next day!

Okay, let's dive into this chipotle tomato salsa recipe! It's seriously going to become your new go-to. Trust me.

Kickin' Chipotle Tomato Salsa: Your New Obsession!

Honestly, I could eat salsa with, like, everything. This chipotle tomato salsa ? It's a total game changer. Forget the jarred stuff. This is where flavour lives!

Prep Like a Boss

First things first: mise en place . sounds fancy, right? it just means get all your ingredients prepped and ready. chop those tomatoes, onion, garlic, and cilantro.

Having it all ready saves so much time. honestly, organisation is the key! also, don't forget to grab your chipotle peppers.

Salsa Time: The Easy Steps

Okay, here's how to nail it, step-by-step:

1. If you're feeling fancy, roast those tomatoes at 400° F ( 200° C) for about 20- 25 minutes . It brings out the sweetness. Totally optional, though!
2. Chuck everything tomatoes, onion, garlic, chipotles (with that delicious adobo sauce), cilantro, lime juice into your blender or food processor.
3. Pulse it! Don't over blend. You want some texture. Think chunky, not baby food.
4. Taste it. Now's the time to add salt, pepper, more chipotle (if you're brave!), or a squeeze more lime.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes . This is crucial . Flavours need to get to know each other.

Pro Tips for Salsa Perfection

• Spice fiend? Add more chipotle. Scared of heat? Start with one.
• Use the best tomatoes you can find. Makes a world of difference.
• Resist the urge to skip the chill time. Seriously. It's the secret.

This salsa is amazing as is. you can even whip up some mashed potato pancakes ! you can use some salsa in it or on it! we can call it leftover mashed potato cakes , and its a great dish to make, while having holiday leftovers !.

These potato patties are a great way to use up those delicious leftover. why not turn them into something amazing like mashed potato cakes , leftover mashed potato pancakes ! i have plenty of potato recipes side dishes for that!

So, there you have it! Your ticket to salsa stardom. Enjoy!

Alright, let's talk about this amazing chipotle tomato salsa ! it’s so much more than just a dip; it's a flavour explosion.

Before you dive in, here are some handy notes that'll take your salsa game from good to omg, this is the best salsa ever! seriously, you'll thank me later.

Recipe Notes: Salsa Savvy

Serving Suggestions: More Than Just Chips!

Okay, so obvious one: chips and salsa. but think bigger! this chipotle tomato salsa is amazing spooned over grilled chicken or fish.

I love using it to jazz up plain ol' scrambled eggs. for presentation, a simple bowl works, but for extra pizzazz, garnish with a sprig of cilantro and a lime wedge.

As for drinks? a classic margarita is a winner.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Honestly, fresh is best, but leftovers happen. for refrigeration, store the salsa in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Don't leave it out for more than 2 hours at room temperature. i've never tried freezing it because it never lasts that long.

If you do freeze it, the texture might change a bit, so be aware of that. to reheat, just let it thaw in the fridge.

Variations: Spice It Up (or Down)!

Want to dial up the heat? add a pinch of cayenne pepper. feeling fruity? dice in some mango or pineapple.

For a dietary adaptation , omit the salt for a low-sodium version. in the summer, use peak season tomatoes for the sweetest flavour.

Seriously!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

This salsa is pretty darn healthy. it's low in calories and packed with vitamins from the tomatoes and peppers. plus, the lime juice is a good source of vitamin c.

Generally speaking, think lots of flavour, not lots of guilt!

So there you have it! This chipotle tomato salsa is a total crowd pleaser. Have fun experimenting and making it your own!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does homemade chipotle tomato salsa last in the fridge? I don't want a "use by" date surprise!

Your homemade chipotle tomato salsa should last for about 3-5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Just like a good episode of Bake Off, keep an eye on it! If you notice any mold growth or a funky smell, it's best to toss it.

Proper storage helps maintain that delicious flavour and prevents any unwanted food poisoning.

Can I make this chipotle tomato salsa ahead of time for a party? I'm aiming for Mary Berry level planning here.

Absolutely! Making it a day or two in advance is actually recommended, as it allows the flavours to meld together beautifully. Just like a well aged cheddar, the salsa gets better with time! Be sure to store it properly in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.

This frees you up to focus on other party preparations.

I'm a bit of a chilli wimp. How can I make this chipotle tomato salsa less spicy?

No worries, we can tame the heat! Start with just one chipotle pepper and taste as you go, adding more adobo sauce sparingly. You can also remove the seeds from the chipotle peppers, as that's where a lot of the heat resides.

Serving the salsa with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole can also help cool things down, a bit like putting out a fire with a pint of milk!

Can I freeze chipotle tomato salsa? I made too much and feel guilty about wasting food!

You can freeze chipotle tomato salsa, but be aware that the texture might change slightly upon thawing. The tomatoes can become a bit watery. To minimize this, drain off any excess liquid after thawing. It's best used in cooked dishes like enchiladas rather than as a fresh dip after freezing.

Think of it as a sauce base rather than a crispy, fresh salsa after it's been in the freezer!

What kind of tomatoes are best for chipotle tomato salsa? Should I be looking for something special at the greengrocer?

Roma or plum tomatoes are a great choice because they have a good balance of sweetness and acidity, and they aren't too watery. But, honestly, any ripe, flavourful tomatoes will work! If you can find some locally grown heritage varieties, even better they'll pack an extra flavour punch.

Just remember, like a good cuppa, it all starts with quality ingredients!

I can't find chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Is there a good substitute for making chipotle tomato salsa?

Finding chipotle peppers in adobo can sometimes be a pain, a bit like finding a decent parking spot in London! If you're struggling, you can substitute with chipotle powder, starting with about 1/4 teaspoon and adding more to taste.

Alternatively, you could use a smoky hot sauce just be mindful of the heat level. While it won't be exactly the same, you'll still get that lovely smoky flavour that makes chipotle salsa so addictive.