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Making Salsa with Chiles de Arbol

Chile Arbol Salsa

After purchasing dried chiles de arbol at the San Angel market, I couldn't wait to make a deliciously spicy and savory salsa. While in Bucerias, my boyfriend and I learned firsthand from Sergio, a chef specializng in Mexican cuisine. The recipe simply includes 11 tomatillos, 15 to 20 chiles de arbol (depending on your desired level of spiciness), quarter of one onion, cilantro, and salt.

The first step involves sautéing the chiles de arbol in olive oil. This releases the juices from the peppers. Afterwards, you will immerse the peppers and tomatillos in a pot of water. Boil these ingredients until the tomatillos are soft - approximately 20 to 25 minutes. While they are boiling, chop a handful of cilantro. Take about one quarter of an onion and slice it. You do not have to worry about finely chopping the cilantro and the size of the sliced onions, because all these ingredients will eventually be placed in a blender.

Once the tomatillos and chiles de arbol are finished boiling, empty most of the water from the pot. Retain some of the water, about an inch. Now, place all the ingredients into the blender. After blending these ingredients, your salsa will be ready to serve. Add salt according to taste. Since, I am a fan of hot salsas, this is one of my favorites. If you prefer a more mild salsa, you should consider decreasing the amount of chiles de arbol or trying a different pepper.

Making Salsa with Chiles Arboles(click thumbnails to view gallery)

TomatillosSauteed Chiles Arboles Boiling Tomatillos with Chiles Arboles

Filed Under: Vegetarian/Vegan, How To
Tags: chile arbol, ChileArbol, chiles, mexico, recipes, salsa, salsamexicana, vegan, vegetarian

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

Monika

1-29-2009 @4:19PM Monika said... I'm intrigued. I always opt for the chunky salsa, but I may just have to whip out the blender one of these days.
Reply

Seth

1-29-2009 @5:35PM Seth said... So you use the dried versions of the chili's? Or the fresh red-mature chili's? From the photo it looks like the dried version. I love salsa's with tomatillo and ive always wondered about other recipes to use those dried chili's in.... I use them to accent soups and things but never thought to use them as a focus ingredient.
Reply

Kristen

1-30-2009 @9:55AM Kristen said... I was also wondering if they were dried or fresh chiles? I have a bag of dried chiles de arbol and this would be a great way to use them.
Reply

Angie

1-31-2009 @5:11PM Angie said... This salsa is also one of my favorites, it's easy to make and not as spicy. Mom has sometimes thrown in a tomato at the same time (not sure why).

I should probably point out that the title should be "Chiles de arbol" rather than "chiles arboles". (Chiles arboles = you're kinda calling the chiles trees right now)
Reply

4 Comments / 1 Pages

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