18 Mexican Salsa Roja Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 12, 2024
Mexican salsa roja, also known as red salsa, is a staple in Mexican cuisine. This vibrant and flavorful sauce is made with simple ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, chili peppers, and spices. It is a versatile condiment that can be used as a dip, sauce, or marinade for various dishes. In this article, we will dive into the traditional recipe for Mexican salsa roja and explore its rich history and cultural significance.
Main Ingredients: Baking Powder, Salt, Lard, Milk, Vegetable Oil, All
Start off with a classic New Mexico dish - sopapillas! These fried pastries are a staple in New Mexican cuisine and are often served as a side dish or dessert. Make them your own by adding your choice of honey, cinnamon sugar, or chocolate sauce on top.
No New Mexican meal is complete without a side of red chile. This spicy sauce is made from dried red chile pods and can be used on everything from enchiladas to eggs. Give your Beer Can Chicken a kick by adding some red chile sauce to the marinade.
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New Mexico Carne Adovada
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Dried New Mexican Chiles, Chicken Stock
This slow-cooked pork dish is a New Mexico favorite. The meat is marinated in a mixture of red chile, garlic, and oregano for hours before being cooked to tender perfection. Use the leftovers to make delicious tacos or burritos.
For a sweet treat, try making these traditional New Mexico cookies. Made with anise, cinnamon, and brandy, these cookies are perfect for dipping in a cup of hot chocolate or coffee. Serve them alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a unique dessert.
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Mango Margaritas with Chili Lime Salt {Ensenada,...
Main Ingredients: Salt, Cubed Mango, White Tequila, Simple Syrup, Orange
Cool off with a refreshing Mango Margarita while your chicken cooks on the grill. To give it a New Mexican twist, rim your glass with a mixture of chili powder, lime zest, and sea salt. This drink is sure to be a hit with your guests.
Another New Mexico classic, Green Chile Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish. Made with pork, potatoes, and of course, green chile, this stew is perfect for those cooler nights. Serve it with warm tortillas for a complete meal.
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Carne Adovada (New Mexico Red Chile Pork Stew)
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Pork Butt, Onions, Garlic, Fine Sea
A variation of the traditional Carne Adovada, this recipe adds tomatoes and black beans to create a heartier stew. The red chile sauce gives it a bold and spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with your Beer Can Chicken.
For those who prefer beef over pork, this New Mexico Beef Chili is a must-try. Made with ground beef, kidney beans, and cumin, this chili packs a punch of flavor. Top it off with some shredded cheese and sour cream for a satisfying meal.
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Chile Nuevo Mexico
Main Ingredients: Red Chiles, Guajillo Chiles, Garlic Cloves, Onion
Take your Beer Can Chicken to the next level with a side of Chile Nuevo Mexico. This simple dish consists of roasted green chiles, garlic, and onions. Serve it as a topping for your chicken or as a dip for tortilla chips.
Put a Mexican twist on the classic Moscow Mule with this Mexico Mule recipe. Made with tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer, this refreshing cocktail is perfect for sipping while enjoying your Beer Can Chicken.
This versatile sauce is a must-have in any New Mexican kitchen. Use it as a base for soups and stews, or as a topping for tacos and burritos. Add a dollop to your Beer Can Chicken for an extra kick of flavor.
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New Mexico Pork and Green Chile Posole
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Spice Blend, Olive Oil, Bacon Drippings
Posole is a traditional Mexican soup made with hominy and pork. This New Mexico version adds green chile for a spicy twist. Serve it as a main dish or as a side to your Beer Can Chicken.
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Warm Mexico Salsa
Main Ingredients: Petite Diced Tomatoes, Large Garlic Cloves, White
Upgrade your usual salsa by making this Warm Mexico Salsa recipe. Roasted tomatoes, jalepeños, and garlic give this salsa a smoky and spicy flavor that pairs well with your Beer Can Chicken. Serve it warm for an extra special touch.
This classic New Mexico dish is a must-try for any chili lover. Made with ground beef, tomatoes, and red chile powder, this chili is perfect for serving over hot dogs or as a topping for your Beer Can Chicken.
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Northern Mexico Chimichangas
Main Ingredients: Corn Oil, Cactus Paddle, Salt, Seitan, Adobo Sauce
Take a trip to Northern Mexico with these delicious Chimichangas. These fried burritos are filled with shredded chicken, black beans, and cheese. Serve them with a side of guacamole for a satisfying meal.
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Sunny Mexico drink
Main Ingredients: Galliano, Silver Tequila
For a refreshing and tropical drink, try making this Sunny Mexico drink. Made with pineapple juice, orange juice, and coconut rum, this cocktail is perfect for sipping while your Beer Can Chicken cooks on the grill.
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Traditional New Mexico Guacamole
Main Ingredients: Avocados, Garlic, Lemon Juiced, Tomato, Ground Cumin
No Mexican meal is complete without some guacamole. This traditional New Mexico version is made with avocados, tomatoes, and lime juice. Serve it as a topping for your Beer Can Chicken or as a dip for tortilla chips.
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Sunny Mexico Drink
Main Ingredients: Galliano, Silver Tequila
Cool off with another refreshing cocktail - the Sunny Mexico Drink. This drink is a combination of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine. Garnish with a slice of orange for a tropical touch.
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Chile New Mexico Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Breast, Dried Chile, Garlic, Lime
Add some New Mexican flavor to your Beer Can Chicken by using this Chile New Mexico Chicken recipe. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of red chile powder, garlic, and lime juice for a bold and spicy taste.
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New Mexico Red Chile Enchilada Casserole
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Cooking Oil, Finely Chopped Onions
For a twist on traditional enchiladas, try making this New Mexico Red Chile Enchilada Casserole. Layers of corn tortillas, shredded chicken, and red chile sauce make for a hearty and flavorful dish.
History and Cultural Significance
The Origins of Mexican Salsa Roja
The origins of Mexican salsa roja can be traced back to the Aztecs, who used to make a similar sauce with tomatoes, chili peppers, and ground squash seeds. This sauce was known as "salsa molcajeteada" and was traditionally made using a mortar and pestle, giving it a chunky consistency. With the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, new ingredients such as onions and garlic were introduced to the recipe, giving it a more complex flavor profile.
Cultural Significance
Mexican salsa roja is more than just a condiment in Mexican cuisine, it is a cultural symbol. It represents the vibrant and bold flavors of Mexico and is often served alongside traditional dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, and tamales. It is also a staple at celebrations and gatherings, bringing people together over good food and good company.
The Recipe
Ingredients
To make the perfect Mexican salsa roja, you will need:
Fresh tomatoes - look for ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor
Onion - white or red onion works well in this recipe
Garlic - for a flavorful kick
Chili peppers - use your preferred type and adjust the amount based on your desired level of heat
Cilantro - adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the salsa
Lime juice - for a burst of acidity
Salt and pepper - to taste
Instructions
Start by charring the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and chili peppers on a hot skillet or grill. This step adds a smoky flavor to the salsa.
Once charred, remove the vegetables from the heat and let them cool.
Remove the stems and seeds from the chili peppers and roughly chop them.
In a blender or food processor, combine the charred vegetables, chopped chili peppers, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Transfer the salsa to a bowl and let it rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Enjoy your homemade Mexican salsa roja with your favorite dishes or as a dip with tortilla chips.
Customization Options
There are endless ways to customize this Mexican salsa roja recipe to your liking. You can add other ingredients such as roasted corn, black beans, or avocado to make it even more flavorful and hearty. You can also adjust the level of heat by using different types and amounts of chili peppers. Get creative and make this recipe your own!
In conclusion, Mexican salsa roja is a delicious and versatile sauce that has a rich history and cultural significance. By following this traditional recipe, you can create your own batch of this flavorful condiment and add a touch of Mexico to your meals. So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your taste buds with this authentic Mexican salsa roja. ¡Buen provecho!