Authentic Mexican Salsa Roja Recipe for Homemade Red Sauce

We were lucky to have generous neighbors who shared tomatoes from their garden. With those ripe tomatoes we made a roasted salsa roja. Roasting the vegetables brings out deeper, sweeter flavors that make this salsa especially tasty. This version is on the mild side; I would add an extra pepper or two next time if you prefer more heat.

Salsa Roja

Salsa Roja

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  • Author: Julie
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Cuisine: Mexican
Print Recipe

Ingredients


Scale

  • 810 roma tomatoes
  • 2 jalapeño peppers (add more for extra heat)
  • 1/2 yellow onion
  • 5 cloves of garlic
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 bunch of cilantro

Instructions

  1. Cut the tomatoes and onion in half and arrange them cut side up on a baking sheet.
  2. Place the garlic and jalapeños whole on the baking sheet alongside the tomatoes and onion.
  3. Roast everything at 400°F (about 200°C) for roughly 30 minutes, until the skins are blistered and the vegetables are softened.
  4. Transfer the roasted vegetables to a food processor. Add the cilantro and blend until the salsa is almost smooth, seasoning with salt to taste. Adjust heat by adding more peppers if desired.

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