Ingredients:

  • 6 large Roma Tomatoes (halved lengthwise)
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion (cut into 4 large wedges)
  • 2 to 3 whole Jalapeño Peppers
  • 4 whole, unpeeled Garlic Cloves
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (for initial seasoning)
  • 1/2 cup (packed) Fresh Cilantro (roughly chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (for adjusting)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground is best)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Granulated Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Broiler: Position the oven rack 6–8 inches (15-20 cm) from the heat element. Preheat the broiler (high setting if available).
  2. Prep and Toss: Toss the halved tomatoes, onion wedges, whole jalapeños, and unpeeled garlic cloves with the olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of Kosher Salt.
  3. Char: Arrange the vegetables, cut-side up (tomatoes and onions), on a baking sheet. Broil for 15–20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the skins are deeply blistered, blackened, and the vegetables are softened. This charring step is crucial for smokey flavor.
  4. Cool and Prepare Garlic/Peppers: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the vegetables to cool for 10-15 minutes. Remove the stems from the jalapeños (keep seeds for full heat, remove for milder salsa). Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their papery skins.
  5. Blend: Place the roasted tomatoes, onions, peeled garlic, prepared jalapeños, lime juice, cilantro, cumin, and pepper into the food processor.
  6. Pulse for Texture: Pulse 8–10 times. Do not purée. Stop when the salsa has a rustic, chunky texture—some large pieces should remain visible.
  7. Taste and Adjust: Stir in 1 teaspoon of Kosher Salt. Taste the salsa and adjust seasoning. Add the optional sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic, or add more salt or lime juice to balance the flavor profile.
  8. Chill and Serve: Transfer the salsa to an airtight container. Refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour (ideally 3-4 hours) to allow the smoke, heat, and fresh flavors to properly marry. Stir before serving alongside tortilla chips.