Hey! I’m originally from SoCal and used to go to Cuca’s just for their salsa. I’m not local anymore and really missing it. 😩
I found a couple photos online (posting for reference).
Anyone have a recipe or tips to make something similar?
by lulalulaxo1
7 Comments
Dear god that looks like the perfect salsa and chips
Those tiny seeds look like chile arbol.
I’ve followed every salsa Roja recipe I can find and I always wind up with a bitter hot flavorless mess. I assume it’s the dry chili de arbol I get being horrible. Anyone have an online resource of decent ones?
I don’t know about this particular red sauce, but I’ve been working on a similar looking sauce from a local Mexican restaurant. Here’s my recipe. It’s a work in progress, but this sauce is a warm, citrusy, smooth red sauce that’s great with chips and cheese crisps.
If you give it a try please provide feedback. Thanks!
** SMOOTH RED SAUCE **
https://preview.redd.it/52lb54i7477f1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c2978669fbca51321a236e57288cd7df3431d65e
* 15oz can Contadina tomato sauce
* 1/3 can water to thin
* 1/2 Teaspoon chili de arbol powder
* 1 Teaspoon granulated garlic
* 1 Teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 Teaspoon salt
* 1/2 Teaspoon black pepper
* 1 Teaspoon brown sugar
* 1/2 Tablespoon white vinegar
* 1 Tablespoon lime juice
* Blend smooth with a with a milk frother or whisk. I sometimes use a little extra white vinegar to up the acidity.
* I make my own chili de arbol powder by buying the pods, de-seeding, and toasting very lightly in a pan to bring out the oils. (Careful not to burn at all). I then grind them into a very fine powder in a coffee grinder.
Cuca’s salsa is very specific and special. Since I moved away I miss it. It’s so good.
The spot in redlands?
Never been to Cuca’s, but it looks kind of similar to Macayo’s Picante Salsa, which I like a lot. They put the [recipe on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hJ_HHTgTGg).