Salsa de Árbol

A spicy Mexican salsa made with dried chiles de árbol, fire-roasted tomatoes, and fresh lime juice. This vibrant sauce combines smoky heat with bright citrus notes.

4 servings
25 min

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 whole dried chiles de árbol
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1 to taste kosher salt
  • 2 Tbsp lime juice

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium. Add chiles and garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly toasted and very fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes and 1 cup water, increase heat to medium-high, and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and tomatoes are very tender, about 15 minutes.

    15 min

  2. 2.

    Season tomato mixture with salt. Using a potato masher, smash until the consistency of a chunky salsa. Let cool, then stir in lime juice.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Do Ahead: Salsa (without lime juice) can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill. Add lime juice just before serving.