| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 78 | 2.9g | 0.4g | 12.2g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6.3g | 2.6g | 2.1g | 0.03g |
There’s just something special about this Roasted Habanero Salsa recipe that keeps me coming back time and again. It may be the vibrant colors that remind me of Colorado sunsets or the tongue-tingling heat of the habaneros, just like the warmth of a campfire on a chilly mountain night. Or perhaps, it’s the harmonious blend of simple, earthy ingredients that intertwines with my love for the great outdoors, providing a flavorful echo of the rustic, hearty mountain fare that I’ve so often indulged in.
A Burst of Healthy Goodness
Despite being incredibly delightful, the Roasted Habanero Salsa isn’t just about tantalizing taste. It’s a veritable trove of nutritional goodness, with every ingredient handpicked not just for flavor but for their health benefits. Tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which is known to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer; habanero peppers offer capsaicin, boosting metabolism and enhancing digestion; and with the red bell peppers, onion and garlic, you have a healthy dose of vital vitamins and minerals. And let’s not overlook the olive oil, a salaam to the heart-healthy cuisine of the Mediterranean with its monounsaturated fats.
Not Just Another Salsa
Believe me, this Roasted Habanero Salsa is not just another salsa. There’s a certain depth and complexity to it that you just can’t get from a jar. If you’ve ever tried the traditional fresh tomato salsa from All Recipes, you’ll find our recipe’s roasting step gives the salsa a richer, more intense flavor. But it’s not so far-flung from its ancestral lineage that you wouldn’t recognize it. In fact, its rich profile compliments a variety of dishes, be it a hearty chicken taco from Simply Recipes, or paired with the game meats and trout that I personally love using for my home cooking. At the end of the day, it’s a recipe that’s versatile, healthy and simply delectable.
Gordon, my partner, isn’t much of a fan of spicy food but even he finds the Roasted Habanero Salsa irresistible when served with a loving squeeze of fresh lime juice. It just goes to show everyone can find something to love in this salsa, shades of Colorado’s vast mountain ranges, painted with the colors of a culinary masterpiece.
What You’ll Need
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes
- 2 habanero peppers
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 1 large onion
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating, you can begin to prepare your ingredients. Start by washing your tomatoes, habanero peppers and red bell pepper.
Step Two
Cut your tomatoes in half. Peel your onion and cut it into quarters. Remove the stems and seeds from your habanero peppers and red bell pepper and cut them in half.
Step Three
Arrange the tomatoes, peppers, garlic cloves and onion on a baking sheet. Drizzle over the olive oil and sprinkle on some salt to taste.
Step Four
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Roast the vegetables for about 20 minutes or until they are soft and a bit charred.
Step Five
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the vegetables cool for a few minutes. Then peel the skin off from the tomatoes, habanero peppers and red bell pepper.
Step Six
Place the roasted vegetables, fresh cilantro, and lime juice in a food processor or blender. Pulse until everything is combined but still a bit chunky.
Step Seven
Taste your salsa and add more salt if needed. Your Roasted Habanero Salsa is now ready! Enjoy it with chips, tacos, or your favorite Mexican dish.
