Chile de Arbol Salsa

4.55 from 11 votes

Here's an easy recipe for a wicked hot Chile de Arbol Salsa. I've been gooping it on tacos all week but it does quite well next to a bowl of chips too!

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Servings:

Calories: 91kcal

Author: Mexican Please

Ingredients

2 plum tomatoes
4-5 tomatillos
1/3 small onion
1 garlic clove
4-8 Chile de Arbol dried chiles
pinch of salt

Instructions

I usually start by wiping off the Chile de Arbols with a damp paper towel. De-stem and de-seed the chiles, but don't worry about getting rid of every last seed. Note: it's best to use caution when handling hot chiles. Be sure to wash your hands after handling them or you can use gloves.
I roast the chile pieces in the oven (400F) for 1-2 minutes until warm and fragrant. Alternatively you can flash roast them on a dry skillet.
Add the roasted chili pieces to a bowl and cover them with the hottest tap water you've got. Let them reconstitute for 20-30 minutes. If they float to the surface you can use a small plate or bowl to keep them submerged.
Husk the tomatillos and then rinse both the tomatoes and tomatillos. I usually remove the stems from both knowing that any juices leftover in the roasting pan will go into the blender.
Roast the tomatoes and tomatillos underneath the broiler for 5-7 minutes per side or until some char is forming. You can cut them in half for a quicker roasting time, just be sure to pour all the leftover juices in the blender.
Add the roasted tomatoes and tomatillos to a blender along with 1/3 small onion, 1 peeled garlic clove, 3-4 drained Chile de Arbols, and a pinch of salt. Combine well.
Taste for seasoning, adding more Chile de Arbols if you want more heat. I used 8 for this batch and it was ultra fiery!
Serve immediately and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Notes

When buying dried chiles you want the ones that are soft and pliable -- if they are hard or brittle they are a bit past their prime.

Sometimes you'll find Chiles de Arbol in the Latin goods section of major supermarkets. Or you can always buy them online.

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