Smoking Salsa Recipe 🌶️🔥
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Makes 18 8-ounce jars
Description:
This salsa has a slight twist to it! Why “Smoking”? Well, besides the heat from the hot peppers, you also get a delightful smoky flavor from the chipotle peppers. For those who like it extra spicy, you can kick it up a notch with some ghost chilies. This salsa also makes for fantastic little gifts—just pack it into a basket with some chips, avocados, cheese, and maybe some beer or margarita mix! 🎁🌶️
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 10 | tomatoes |
| 2 | bell peppers |
| 2 | onions |
| 4 | chipotle chiles in adobo |
| 2-4 | garlic cloves |
| 6 | salt |
| 1-3 | tomato paste |
| 1 | diced green chilies |
| 1 | bell peppers (additional) |
| 2 | sugar |
| 1 | lime |
| 1 | vinegar |
| 1 | cilantro |
Instructions:
-
Prepare Ingredients:
- In a food processor with the metal blade, process the lime, jalapenos, garlic, chipotle peppers, and ghost chilies (if using) until finely minced.
-
Cooking the Salsa:
- Combine all the minced ingredients in a large saucepan, stirring well to mix.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
-
Canning Process:
- While the salsa is cooking, prepare your canning jars by sterilizing them.
- Ladle the hot salsa into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
- Remove any air bubbles by gently tapping the jars on the counter and adjusting the salsa levels if needed.
- Wipe the jar rims clean with a damp cloth to ensure a good seal.
- Place the lids on the jars, tightening the bands just until fingertip tight.
-
Processing:
- Place the filled jars into a boiling water canner, ensuring they are covered with at least 1-2 inches of water.
- Process the jars in the boiling water bath for 15 minutes to ensure proper canning and preservation.
-
Cooling and Storing:
- Once the processing time is up, carefully remove the jars from the canner using jar lifters.
- Place the jars on a towel in a draft-free area to cool completely.
- As the jars cool, you may hear the satisfying “pop” of the lids sealing.
- After cooling, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn’t flex, it’s sealed!
- Label each jar with the date and store them in a cool, dark, dry place for optimal freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
This Smoking Salsa is incredibly versatile! Serve it as a zesty dip with tortilla chips, spoon it over grilled meats or fish, or use it as a topping for tacos, nachos, or quesadillas. The smoky heat adds a delicious depth of flavor to any dish!
Tips:
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or omit the ghost chilies altogether.
- Use caution when handling hot peppers, especially ghost chilies. Wear gloves to protect your skin from irritation.
- Customize the salsa to your liking by adjusting the sugar, lime, or cilantro amounts to suit your taste preferences.
- This salsa makes excellent gifts for friends and family! Package it in decorative jars with a bow and a recipe card for a thoughtful homemade treat.
Now, get ready to enjoy the vibrant flavors of this Smoking Salsa! Whether you’re hosting a party or simply spicing up your meals at home, this recipe is sure to impress with its bold, smoky kick! 🎉🌶️
