Cinco de Mayo is quickly approaching and I have been thinking about recipes for it starting with this classic one for a salsa ranchera. Salsa ranchera, or ranch style salsa, is a salsa that is made with a base of roasted tomatoes and chilies that is typically served warm and it has a thick soup like consistency. Of course this recipe is best when made with perfectly ripened field tomatoes but for the rest of the year canned tomatoes, especially fire roasted canned tomatoes, work just as well! This salsa is so easy to make that you will never go back to store bought salsas. It’s perfect for dipping with tortilla chips and used in other recipes! (For some ideas, look below the recipe!)
Salsa Ranchera
A quick and easy roasted tomato salsa that is great for dipping with tortilla chips and using in other recipes!
ingredients
- 1 pound plum tomatoes
- 2 serrano or jalapeno chilies
- 1 small onion, peeled quartered
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 tablespoons cilantro
- salt to taste
directions
- Roast the tomatoes, chilies and garlic in a cast iron pan over medium-high heat or under the broiler until slightly charred on all sides removing them as they are done, about 20 minutes for the tomatoes and less for the chilies and garlic before removing the stems from the chilies.
- Puree everything in a food processor until you get the desired consistency
- Season with salt to taste and serve warm.
Pantry Salsa Ranchera
A quick and easy pantry salsa ranchera for when you don’t have access to good quality field ripened tomatoes!
ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 serrano or jalapeno chilies
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced fire roasted tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- salt to taste
directions
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat, add the onions and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic and chillies cook until fragrant, about a minute.
- Add the tomatoes and bring to a boil reduce heat and simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and mix in the cilantro and salt to taste before optionally pureeing in a food processor or blender until the desired consistency is reached.
This just looks like pretty much the perfect salsa!