I’ve been making salsas of all kinds for 30 years now. This salsa is a salsa roja from a local taqueria that I’ve been going to for 20 years. I buy this stuff by the quart, sometimes multiple quarts as it freezes well.
I have not been able to come close to recreating this and they are very tight-lipped (and English challenged), and I haven’t been able to get them to give me any clues. This salsa is not like any others I have tasted. The temperature varies a lot, it doesn’t seem to have any tomatoes in it. I’m guessing tomatillos, reconstituted dried peppers of some variety, cilantro, garlic, and other mystery ingredients.
Anyone have any suggestions?
by cheesewit40
4 Comments
r/SalsaSnobs **best-practices guide for figuring out how to recreate a restaurant or store bought salsa:**
* Please provide a high quality clear and close-up photo that shows the salsa in detail. Even the color of specs of dried chili floating around in the salsa can be important details.
* Ask the restaurant what’s in the salsa or gives the unique flavor. Even if a restaurant won’t give up the full recipe they’re often willing to share key ingredients. When a menu or product label is available what ingredients do those mention?
* Describe the flavor/taste of the salsa. Is it smokey? Is it tart? What do you think is in it?
* Most “help me what’s in this” type posts never get a response. The more information you’re able to provide the better your chances.
Looks like there is a tortilla chip in there
Roasted Tomatillos with dry Arbol chiles, possibly pequin. I make one this way and it looks very similar.
i cant help you much without tasting it. It is different in color than I am used too. I do think you are correct that it might be tomatillos, dried toasted chiles, probably some acid, either lime or vinegar….the most odd thing is the color. I am not sure how you get that color without something orange or yellow, which could come from habaneros. Another secret ingredient a lot of mexican restaurants use is knorr chicken powder its yellow on color. where is this place you buy this from?