Alexia’s 5 Minute Smoky Chipotle Salsa

5 minute smoky salsa

5 minute smoky salsa

I knew when I stood at the counter and polished off an entire bowl of this incredible smoky salsa, that I wanted to share this recipe on the blog. My friend Alexia, whipped together this tongue craving salsa in 5 minutes as I sipped delicious wine and watched her cook (she always serves the best wine and champagne). I kept the conversation flowing as I watched her toss a few ingredients into a mini-chop food processor, zip, zip, zip and emptied the contents into a bowl which she placed on the counter in front of me. After inhaling the entire bowl of salsa and the chips that went with it, I begged for the recipe.

This salsa combines the sweet taste of fresh tomatoes with the deep smoky flavor of chipotle peppers (the ones in adobo sauce – how cute is that word??). A touch of white vinegar adds a tangy brightness that makes this salsa highly addictive (fair warning).

5 minute smoky salsa

5 minute smoky salsa

It’s Easy, Vegan, Healthy, and Kid Friendly

I’ve made many batches of roasted salsas (see roasted tomato salsa) but never salsa cruda (fresh salsa). What have I been waiting for? This recipe is quick, vegan, healthy, and KID FRIENDLY TOO. (Her 2 kids tried to wrestle me out of the way – but they are still shorter than me : ). Once you realize how simple this smoky salsa is to make, its hard to justify pre-packaged store versions (even from Trader Joes).

I made this recipe in a few minutes by tossing the ingredients into a blender and lightly pulsing the tomatoes, onion and peppers, vinegar, salt and chili powder to combine.

I’m working on a consistent baked tortilla chip recipe but I’ll post what I did since my husband and I ate them all. (Several chips came out hard instead of crunchy but mostly they were delicious). I must confess that shooting this blog post was challenging since I KEPT EATING the subject matter.

Thank you so much Alexia for sharing this amazing quick, easy, and kid friendly recipe!!

5 minute smoky salsa

Recipe: Alexia’s 5 Minute Smoky Salsa

This smoky salsa tastes richer with good, sweet tomatoes. I used 2 baskets of organic cherry tomatoes because they looked like the best. I also pulsed the ingredients in a blender but you can use a mini-chop or food processor. Pulsing allows you to leave it a little chunky. I like to add cilantro to anything I can because it’s a great blood purifier and cleanser so I threw in a handful of freshly chopped organic cilantro. It also thickens the salsa.

Ingredients: 

  • 5 medium tomatoes
  • 1/2 onion (I use a sweet onion and rinse  it in cold water to cut the bite)
  • 1 lime
  • 2-3 chipotle peppers (these can be spicy so start with 2 and add more)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • pinch of Chile powder (optional)
  • 1-3 tablespoons white or champagne vinegar (start with 1 and taste)
  • 1 Bunch of chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Dice the tomatoes, onions and peppers or put ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse lightly to blend.  Add the lime juice, salt and vinegar. pulse once or twice. Let the new ingredients sit for a while so they can meld together.

For a great way to reserve the unused peppers (click here).

Recipe: Home-baked Tortilla Chips

Ingredients: 

  • 1 bag of fresh tortillas (I used the Trader Joe’s corn and wheat ones)
  • olive oil spray (or regular)
  • salt (light sprinkle)
  • Chipotle chili powder  1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon- or light sprinkle (optional)

Instructions: 

Heat oven to 400°F and line a baking tray with tin foil. Take 3 or 4 tortillas and cut them into triangles (like mini pizza slices). Put them in a bowl and lightly spray with olive oil just to coat. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and chili powder and mix with hands to combine.

Spread on baking sheet so they are not touching/overlapping. This way they get crisp. ***Bake for 10 – 15/16 minutes.

***This time may vary depending on the tortillas you use and your oven. I used thicker tortillas so keep an eye on them.

5 minute smoky salsa 5 minute smoky salsa

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