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Easy Smoky, Mildly Spicy Salsa – No Junk, Just Flavor

This smoky, spicy homemade tomato sauce is packed with rich flavors from ripe tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of smoked paprika, cayenne, and chipotle paste.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 10-15 ripe tomatoes whatever medium or small ripe tomatoes you have in the cupboard
  • 3-4 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (use less if you want even milder heat)
  • 1 tbsp chipotle paste make sure you get one that has no nasties (I use Luchito)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  • Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic:
    Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the roughly chopped tomatoes and garlic cloves in an ovenproof dish. Drizzle with olive oil and add your salt, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Toss everything to coat the tomatoes evenly.
    Roast for 20-25 minutes until the tomatoes are soft, slightly charred, and releasing their juices. This step deepens the flavors and gives your salsa that rich, smoky taste.
  • Blend Everything Together:
    Once your tomatoes and garlic have cooled slightly, remove garlic clove casing and transfer everything to your blender. Blend until smooth.
  • Taste and Adjust:
    If you can resist digging in immediately, let the salsa sit for at least 15 minutes. The flavors deepen as they meld together. If you have the patience, refrigerating it for an hour or over night it honestly makes it even better.
  • Serve and Enjoy:
    Grab your favorite tortilla chips, drizzle it over tacos, or loaded sweet potatoes. However you eat it, enjoy every bite of your homemade, preservative-free salsa.