Salsa Roja Salvadoran Tomato Sauce
Bring authentic Salvadoran flavors to your table with this rich and versatile Salsa Roja Salvadoran Tomato Sauce. This vibrant recipe features ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and onion blended to a smooth base, then simmered with earthy spices like cumin, oregano, and paprika. Perfectly balanced with a touch of vegetable or chicken broth, the sauce is finished with fresh cilantro for a burst of herbal freshness. Whether you're serving it as a dipping sauce for pupusas, a topping for tamales, or an accompaniment to grilled meats, this savory tomato sauce elevates any dish. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s a quick and easy way to add bold Latin flavors to your meals!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 medium ripe tomatoes
- 1 small white onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.75 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.25 cup water (if needed)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional garnish)
Instructions
Wash the tomatoes and make a small 'X' incision on the bottom of each using a sharp knife. This will help peel the skins easily post-boiling.
In a medium pot, bring water to a boil and carefully add the tomatoes. Boil for 3-4 minutes, or until the skins begin to peel away.
Remove the tomatoes from the hot water and transfer them to a bowl of cold water to cool. Once cooled, peel off the skins and set the peeled tomatoes aside.
Roughly chop the onion and garlic.
In a blender, combine the peeled tomatoes, chopped onion, garlic, and broth. Blend until smooth.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Pour the blended tomato mixture into the skillet and stir. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
Add the oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir well to combine.
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add up to 1/4 cup of water to reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm alongside your favorite Salvadoran dishes, such as pupusas or tamales.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
280 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 15.5 g | 20% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.0 g | 10% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2671 mg | 116% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.9 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.0 g | 36% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.8 g | ||
| Protein | 9.1 g | 18% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 122 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 4.0 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 1882 mg | 40% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
