Fire-Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa: A Smoky Summer Delight

Summer is the season of vibrant flavors, fresh produce, and outdoor cooking. What better way to celebrate than with a homemade salsa that captures the essence of the season? This fire-roasted cherry tomato salsa is a delightful blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors, perfect for dipping tortilla chips, topping grilled meats, or adding a zesty kick to your favorite tacos.

This recipe takes the traditional salsa to the next level by fire-roasting the cherry tomatoes. The roasting process not only intensifies their sweetness but also imparts a delightful smoky char that elevates the entire salsa. This salsa is easy to make, incredibly versatile, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at your next barbecue or gathering.

## Why Fire-Roast Your Cherry Tomatoes?

Fire-roasting is a game-changer when it comes to salsa. Here’s why:

* **Intensified Flavor:** Roasting concentrates the natural sugars in the cherry tomatoes, making them sweeter and more flavorful.
* **Smoky Char:** The fire creates a subtle smoky char that adds a complex and delicious dimension to the salsa.
* **Enhanced Texture:** Roasting softens the tomatoes, creating a smoother and more pleasing texture.
* **Depth of Flavor:** Fire-roasting adds a depth of flavor that you simply can’t achieve with raw tomatoes.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **2 pints Cherry Tomatoes:** Look for ripe, firm cherry tomatoes. A mix of colors adds visual appeal.
* **1 medium White Onion:** Adds a pungent and savory base to the salsa.
* **2-3 Jalapeño Peppers:** Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference. Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder salsa.
* **3-4 cloves Garlic:** Garlic is essential for flavor.
* **1 bunch Cilantro:** Fresh cilantro adds a bright and herbaceous note.
* **2-3 Limes:** Lime juice provides acidity and balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
* **Olive Oil:** For roasting the vegetables.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional: 1 Red Bell Pepper:** Adds sweetness and color. You can fire roast this as well

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Grill:** A gas or charcoal grill will work. You can even use a grill pan on your stovetop.
* **Baking Sheet:** For transferring the tomatoes to and from the grill.
* **Tongs:** For handling the vegetables on the grill.
* **Food Processor or Blender:** To blend the salsa to your desired consistency.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Mixing Bowl:** To combine the ingredients.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious fire-roasted cherry tomato salsa:

**Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables**

* Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes, jalapeños, red bell pepper (if using), and onion.
* Halve or quarter the onion, depending on its size.
* If using a red bell pepper, quarter it and remove the seeds and membranes.
* Leave the jalapeños whole, but pierce them a few times with a fork to prevent them from exploding on the grill. This is very important, as exploding peppers can be dangerous.

**Step 2: Fire-Roast the Vegetables**

* Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F or 190-230°C).
* Lightly coat the cherry tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, and red bell pepper (if using) with olive oil.
* Place the vegetables directly on the grill grates.
* Roast for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the tomatoes are blistered and slightly charred, and the other vegetables are softened and charred.
* For the jalapeños, keep an eye on them, and remove them once they are charred on all sides. They cook faster than the tomatoes.

**Alternative Roasting Methods (If You Don’t Have a Grill)**

* **Oven Roasting:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Toss the vegetables with olive oil and spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the other vegetables are softened and charred.
* **Broiling:** Preheat your broiler to high. Toss the vegetables with olive oil and spread them on a baking sheet. Broil for 5-10 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the other vegetables are softened and charred. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
* **Grill Pan:** Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Toss the vegetables with olive oil and grill them in batches until they are blistered and charred.

**Step 3: Cool and Peel (Optional)**

* Remove the roasted vegetables from the grill and place them on a baking sheet to cool slightly.
* Once the tomatoes are cool enough to handle, you can peel off the charred skins if desired. This is optional, but it will result in a smoother salsa. Peeling the peppers is a good idea too.

**Step 4: Prepare the Remaining Ingredients**

* Peel and mince the garlic.
* Chop the cilantro.
* Juice the limes.

**Step 5: Blend the Salsa**

* In a food processor or blender, combine the roasted cherry tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, roasted red bell pepper (if using), garlic, cilantro, and lime juice.
* Pulse until the salsa reaches your desired consistency. Some people prefer a chunky salsa, while others prefer a smoother one. Be careful not to over-blend the salsa, as it can become watery.

**Step 6: Season to Taste**

* Season the salsa with salt and pepper to taste.
* Add more lime juice if needed to balance the flavors.
* If the salsa is too spicy, add a touch of sugar or honey to tame the heat.

**Step 7: Chill and Serve**

* Transfer the salsa to a container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
* Serve with tortilla chips, grilled meats, tacos, or your favorite Mexican dishes.

## Tips for the Perfect Fire-Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa

* **Use Fresh, Ripe Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your salsa. Choose fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes and other vegetables.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Grill:** Roasting the vegetables in batches ensures that they cook evenly and develop a good char. Overcrowding the grill will steam the vegetables instead of roasting them.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** The amount of jalapeño peppers you use will determine the spice level of your salsa. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. Remember to remove the seeds and membranes for a milder salsa.
* **Taste as You Go:** Taste the salsa at each step and adjust the seasonings as needed. This will ensure that the flavors are balanced and to your liking.
* **Let the Flavors Meld:** Chilling the salsa for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and deepen. This step is crucial for achieving the best flavor.
* **Get Creative with Add-ins:** Feel free to add other ingredients to your salsa, such as corn, black beans, or avocado. Experiment with different flavor combinations to create your own unique salsa.
* **Use wood chips:** Add some wood chips like mesquite or hickory to the grill to enhance the smoky flavour of the salsa
* **Grill the limes:** Before juicing, quickly grill the halved limes for a burst of smoky citrus flavour.

## Variations and Additions

This fire-roasted cherry tomato salsa is incredibly versatile. Here are some variations and additions to try:

* **Mango Salsa:** Add diced mango for a sweet and tropical twist.
* **Pineapple Salsa:** Add diced pineapple for a tangy and refreshing salsa.
* **Corn and Black Bean Salsa:** Add grilled corn kernels and black beans for a heartier salsa.
* **Avocado Salsa:** Add diced avocado for a creamy and rich salsa. Add the avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning.
* **Spicy Salsa:** Use hotter peppers like habaneros or serranos for a spicier salsa.
* **Smoked Paprika:** Add a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
* **Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce:** Add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky and spicy kick.
* **Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary.

## Serving Suggestions

This fire-roasted cherry tomato salsa is delicious with:

* **Tortilla Chips:** The classic pairing!
* **Grilled Meats:** Top grilled chicken, steak, or fish with the salsa for a burst of flavor.
* **Tacos:** Add the salsa to your favorite tacos for a zesty kick.
* **Quesadillas:** Use the salsa as a filling for quesadillas.
* **Nachos:** Top nachos with the salsa, cheese, and other toppings.
* **Eggs:** Serve the salsa with scrambled eggs or omelets for a flavorful breakfast.
* **Salads:** Add the salsa to salads for a burst of flavor and freshness.
* **Burrito Bowls:** Add the salsa to your burrito bowls for a zesty kick.
* **Pizza:** Add the salsa to pizza for a spicy and flavorful topping.

## Storage Instructions

* Store the salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* The salsa may lose some of its freshness and flavor over time.
* You can also freeze the salsa for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 50-75
* Fat: 3-5g
* Saturated Fat: 0.5g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 100-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 5-8g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 3-5g
* Protein: 1g

(Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

## Conclusion

This fire-roasted cherry tomato salsa is a simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe that’s perfect for summer gatherings. The fire-roasting process adds a unique smoky char that elevates the salsa to a whole new level. Whether you’re dipping chips, topping grilled meats, or adding a zesty kick to your favorite tacos, this salsa is sure to be a hit. So fire up your grill and get ready to enjoy the taste of summer!

Enjoy!