Roasted Tomato Salsa

When I want to indulge in delicious non Indian food, I settle with Mexican cuisine most of the time. Although these countries are far away from one another, I feel the food and cooking style is very similar. The use of spices is just wonderful and the innumerable combinations of salsas with different chilies reminds me of variety of chutneys we make in India. Pico De Gallo is nothing but our kachumber salad. Chopped tomatoes, onions, bell pepper, and garnished with lot of cilantro and lime. Even before I came to the US and tasted Pico De Gallo, I used to make this fresh chopped salad to enjoy with my simple dal rice of khichdi :)
(Click on the picture for recipe)

http://shitals-kitchen.blogspot.com/2014/06/burrito.html

Spicy red chili salsa is like a garlic chutney and it is perfect to be served with quesadillas and nachos.

(Click on the picture for recipe)

http://shitals-kitchen.blogspot.com/2016/04/spicy-red-chile-salsa.html

Did you know Mexican food is served with a side of fried green chili? When I saw Carlos, Mexican chef at my work serve this with Mexican lunch, I was really surprised. This just reminded me of street food back home...wada pav, samosa, served with fried green chili seasoned with salt. Super delicious and perfect with the meal. You can serve these in your next Mexican Fiesta.

Slit Jalapeno and deseed it. Deseeding is optional but that will reduce the heat of the chilies. Toast them on a hot griddle with few drops of oil. Sprinkle some salt over it! Enjoy.

Ingredients to make Roasted Tomato Salsa
3 ripe tomatoes
4-5 cloves garlic
1 jalapeno
2-3 dry red chilies
1/2 medium onion
Salt to taste
Juice on 1/2 lime
1/2 cup water

Roast all ingredients on a griddle or on open flame using a wire mesh.
Put them immediately in a ziplock bag and seal it for sometime. This process traps the flavors in and also completes the cooking process.
Grind them in a blender or mortar and pestle.
Add salt and lime juice.

Here is step-by-step pictorial recipe:

Roast all ingredients on a griddle or on open flame using a wire mesh.