Are you ready to experience a flavor explosion? This Hatch Chile Salsa recipe is a taste of sunshine, a fiery dance on your tongue, and the best homemade salsa you'll ever make. Perfect for dipping tortilla chips, topping tacos, or adding a kick to your eggs, this recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for a party. It's a delicious dish, a healthy meal, and one of the best recipes you'll add to your quick dinner ideas repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds Hatch green chiles, roasted (see tip below for roasting)
- 1 large white onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Roast the Hatch Chiles: This step is crucial for bringing out the chiles’ incredible flavor. Preheat your broiler. Place the chiles directly on the oven rack, turning occasionally, until the skins are blackened and blistered. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can roast them over an open flame on a gas stovetop or grill.
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Steam and Peel: Immediately place the roasted chiles in a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap for about 10 minutes. This steaming process helps loosen the skins. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the blackened skins and remove the seeds.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and chopped chiles, onion, garlic, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), tomatoes, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
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Blend (Optional): For a smoother salsa, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the mixture. If you prefer a chunky salsa, simply mix well with a spoon.
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Taste and Adjust: Give your salsa a taste test. You might want to add more lime juice, salt, or jalapeño depending on your preferences.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious Hatch Chile Salsa immediately with tortilla chips, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavor actually improves over time!
Cooking Tips:
- Roasting the Chiles: For even roasting, make sure the chiles aren't overcrowded on the oven rack. Rotate them frequently for consistent charring.
- Handling Heat: If you're sensitive to spice, wear gloves when handling the chiles, especially the jalapeño. The oils can irritate your skin.
- Storage: Store leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to let the flavors meld for at least a few hours before serving.
Variations:
- Add Corn: For a sweeter salsa, add ½ cup of roasted corn kernels.
- Mango Salsa: Incorporate 1 cup of diced mango for a tropical twist.
- Roasted Tomatoes: Use roasted tomatoes instead of canned for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 50-60 calories
- Fat: Minimal
- Protein: Approximately 2 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 2 grams
This easy recipe makes a healthy meal addition, perfect for those looking for quick dinner ideas. This homemade cooking method ensures fresh, vibrant flavors, making it one of the best recipes for any occasion. Enjoy the deliciousness!