Mexican Salsa for Better Results in a Home Kitchen

It has been updated to be more helpful.

We'll keep it simple by using a food processor or blender to create the perfect chunky or pureed consistency that you prefer.

Add the tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and their skin cracks.

Transfer the cooked vegetables to the food processor or blender and cool prior to blending. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooked water.

Add the fresh cilantro to the food processor and puree until you reach the desired consistency.

Transfer to a container or bowl and taste for salt & pepper. Add if necessary according to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.

The heat comes from the pith and ribs of the pepper which contain capsaicin. This is the active component in peppers that causes the burning sensation. Some chile peppers contain more than others.

If you want this salsa less spicy just skip the Serrano pepper and add an extra jalapeño which tends to be somewhat mild. Or just remove the ribs from the serrano pepper to make it medium spicy.

Now, if you like it very spicy just add more serrano peppers or a chile güerito.

So if your salsa comes out too spicy at first, just give it a few hours or so and it will be just how you like it.

Whole is fine. You don't need to chop anything before it goes in the pot, everything gets blended at the end anyway.

Color tip: if your salsa comes out more brown than red, it's usually the boiling that mutes the tomato color. A small spoonful of tomato paste added at the blending step brings the color back without changing the flavor much.

Spice control: the heat lives in the ribs and seeds of the peppers. Remove those from the serrano for a milder salsa, or skip it and use two jalapeños instead.

Storing Fridge: This salsa will stay good in the fridge for around 5 days. Remember, there aren't any additives/preservatives and this recipe is 100% fresh. That's why the shelf life isn't super long. Freezing: It freezes well for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and give it a stir before serving.

This flavor-packed salsa Mexicana can be used within tons of recipes where you want the tomato flavor to shine through. This is the perfect salsa para tacos but here are a few other suggestions.