Our Favorite Recipes
Authentic dishes, bold flavors, and timeless techniques - all in one place
Authentic Molcajete Salsa Roja
Crafted with Tradition – Taste the Difference of a Handmade Salsa
There’s no better way to experience true Mexican flavor than by preparing salsa the traditional way— with a molcajete. This volcanic stone tool has been used for generations to create rich, deep flavors that a blender simply can’t replicate. The grinding process releases essential oils, enhancing every ingredient for an unmatched taste and texture.
Ingredients:
20 arbol chiles
6 tomatillos
1 Roma tomato (red)
¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
10 sprigs of cilantro (remove excess stems)
1 garlic clove
Water (as needed)
Instructions:
1
Ingredient Preparation: Wash all ingredients thoroughly and remove the husks from the tomatillos.
2
Toasting the Chiles: On a heated comal or skillet over low heat, toast the arbol chiles, stirring constantly to prevent burning, as burnt chiles can become bitter. Once toasted, remove from heat, take off the stems, and keep the seeds.
3
Roasting the Tomatillos and Tomato: Place the tomatillos and the tomato on the comal with the stem side down, as this part is the toughest. After a few minutes, wrap them in aluminum foil to trap steam and help them soften evenly. If you prefer not to use foil, cover them with a lid instead—this will achieve the same effect. Roast until the skin is well charred and the flesh is tender.
Grinding in the Molcajete – The Secret to an Authentic Salsa:
4
Start by grinding the toasted chiles in the molcajete along with the garlic clove. If needed, add two tablespoons of water to ease the process (remember, dried chiles require a little moisture, but don’t add too much, as the tomatillos will release their juices).
5
Add the fresh cilantro and continue crushing until well incorporated.
6
Gradually add the tomatillos and tomato, one or two at a time, crushing and mixing them into a smooth or chunky consistency—whatever you prefer. The molcajete naturally enhances the flavors, creating a salsa with depth and character.
7
Adjusting Texture and Flavor: If you prefer a thinner salsa, you can add a bit more water. Taste and adjust the salt as needed.
8
Enjoy Your Salsa! Serve your Authentic Molcajete Salsa Roja with your favorite dishes. From tacos to grilled meats, this salsa brings out the best in every meal.
Why Use a Molcajete?
Unlike a blender, a molcajete preserves the rustic texture and enhances the flavors of every ingredient. Hand-grinding the chiles, tomatoes, and herbs unlocks the natural oils and aromas that simply can’t be achieved with modern kitchen appliances. Want to make the best salsas at home? Get your own authentic molcajete today!
