Sauce of Roasted Chiltepin and Citrus

Ingredients

• 15 g of dried chiltepín chili
• 300 g of Roma tomato
• 80 g of red onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 30 ml of sweet orange juice
• 15 ml de jugo de limón
• 15 ml of vinegar of white wine
• 20 ml of extra virgin olive oil
• 5 g of honey
• 5 g of sea salt
• 2 g of freshly ground black pepper
• 10 g of fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Step-by-step preparation

Step 1: Roast the vegetables

1. Place the tomatoes, the red onion and the garlic cloves on a very hot griddle or cast iron pan.
2. Roast the vegetables until they have slightly burnt areas, the tomato is soft, and the onion takes on a deeper, caramelized color.
3. Remove the vegetables from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes so their juices settle and the flavor concentrates.

Step 2: Toast the chiltepín

1. Place the dried chiltepín chili on a hot griddle.
2. Toast it for only 10 to 15 seconds, moving it constantly to prevent it from burning.
3. When it releases an intense aroma, remove it immediately from the heat.

Important note: the chiltepín burns very quickly. If toasted too much, it can give a bitter taste to the salsa.

Step 3: Blend the salsa

1. Place the roasted tomatoes, roasted onion, roasted garlic cloves, and toasted chiltepín in the blender.
2. Add the orange juice, lime juice, white wine vinegar, honey, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Blend until you get a smooth, slightly thick, and intensely colored salsa.

Step 4: Emulsify with olive oil

1. With the blender running at low speed, add the extra virgin olive oil in a thin stream.
2. Blend a few more seconds until the salsa has shine, body, and a more refined texture.

Step 5: Finish and refrigerate

1. Pour the salsa into a container.
2. Add the finely chopped fresh cilantro.
3. Mix well and taste the salsa.
4. Adjust the salt or acidity if necessary.
5. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving so the flavors integrate better.

Would you prepare it at home?

This roasted chiltepín and citrus salsa has an intense, spicy, and very aromatic flavor. If you prepare it, tell me in the comments what dish you would pair it with.