Fire Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa Recipe

Cherry tomatoes: Small, sweet tomatoes that will be charred on the grill to add a smoky flavor.

Onion: Adds a sharp, savory taste to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic depth to the salsa.

Jalapeño: Adds heat and a slight smokiness; can be adjusted to taste.

Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds a bright, citrusy flavor.

Lime: The juice adds acidity and freshness, balancing the flavors.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the salsa.

To enhance the smoky flavor of your salsa, try using a cast iron skillet on the grill instead of a grill pan. The cast iron will retain heat better and provide a more even char to the cherry tomatoes. Additionally, for a deeper flavor, you can lightly char the onion and garlic on the grill as well before mixing them into the salsa.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar size and sweetness, making them a good alternative.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with regular tomatoes: Chop them into smaller pieces to mimic the size and texture of cherry tomatoes.

• small chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor and can add a subtle sweetness.

• small chopped onion - Substitute with red onion: Red onions provide a sharper taste and a bit of color contrast.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Use ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic to maintain the flavor.

• minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, more nuanced garlic flavor.

• seeded and chopped jalapeño - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers are slightly hotter but offer a similar flavor profile.

• seeded and chopped jalapeño - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblanos are milder and add a smoky flavor.

• chopped fresh cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley offers a fresh, slightly peppery taste without the strong cilantro flavor.

• chopped fresh cilantro - Substitute with basil: Basil provides a sweet, aromatic flavor that can complement the other ingredients.

• juiced lime - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice offers a similar acidity and brightness.

• juiced lime - Substitute with vinegar: A splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar can provide the necessary acidity.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a more nuanced flavor compared to table salt.

• Allow the salsa to cool completely before storing. This helps maintain its vibrant flavors and prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container.

• Transfer the fire roasted cherry tomato salsa to an airtight container. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids or BPA-free plastic containers work best to preserve the freshness.

• Label the container with the date of preparation. This ensures you keep track of its shelf life and consume it while it's at its peak.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The salsa will stay fresh for up to 5-7 days when kept chilled.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the salsa. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion.

• Label the freezer bags or containers with the date. This helps you monitor how long the salsa has been stored.

• Freeze the salsa for up to 3 months. Beyond this period, the texture and flavor may start to degrade.

• When ready to use, thaw the salsa in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent any risk of bacterial growth.

• Once thawed, give the salsa a good stir to reincorporate any separated liquids. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

• Enjoy the fire roasted cherry tomato salsa with your favorite tortilla chips, as a topping for grilled meats, or mixed into soups and stews for an extra burst of flavor.

• Gently warm the salsa in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating without overcooking the cherry tomatoes.
• Place the salsa in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the salsa evenly in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature.
• For a quick reheat, use a double boiler method: place the salsa in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• If you have a toaster oven, set it to a low temperature (around 250°F or 120°C), place the salsa in an oven-safe dish, and heat for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• Grill: Used to fire roast the cherry tomatoes, giving them a smoky and charred flavor.

• Grill pan: Holds the cherry tomatoes on the grill, preventing them from falling through the grates.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the grilled tomatoes with the other ingredients.

• Knife: Essential for chopping the onion, jalapeño, and cilantro, as well as mincing the garlic.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping and mincing ingredients.

• Tongs: Handy for turning and removing the cherry tomatoes from the grill.

• Juicer: Helps extract juice from the lime efficiently.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the cherry tomatoes and cilantro accurately.

• Mixing spoon: Used to mix all the ingredients together thoroughly.

• Serving bowl: Ideal for presenting the finished salsa.

Preheat the grill in advance: Start preheating the grill while you prepare the other ingredients to save time.

Use a grill pan: A grill pan keeps the cherry tomatoes from falling through the grates, making the process quicker and easier.

Chop ingredients ahead: Chop the onion, garlic, jalapeño, and cilantro while the tomatoes are grilling.

Use a food processor: For a quicker mix, pulse the grilled tomatoes and other ingredients in a food processor.

Prepare in bulk: Double the recipe and store extra salsa in the fridge for future use.