Salsa de Molcajete Picosa

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šŸŒ¶ļø Salsa de Molcajete Picosa

A Rustic, Spicy Mexican Salsa Made the Traditional Way

If you’re craving a bold, fiery salsa with deep, roasted flavor and a rustic texture, this Salsa de Molcajete Picosa is for you. Ground by hand in a traditional molcajete, this salsa packs a punch from serranos, jalapeƱos, and chile manzanoā€”all balanced by charred tomatoes, garlic, and onion.

šŸ§¾ Ingredients

  • 4 ripe tomatoes
  • 7 serrano chiles
  • 1 chile manzano
  • 3 jalapeƱos
  • 3 garlic cloves (unpeeled)
  • 1/8 piece of yellow onion
  • Kosher salt, to taste

šŸ”„ Directions

1. Roast or Char the Ingredients

Use a comal or dry skillet over medium-high heat to char the following:

  • Tomatoes
  • Serrano chiles
  • Chile manzano
  • JalapeƱos
  • Garlic cloves (leave skins on to avoid burning)
  • Onion

Char everything until softened, blistered, and aromatic. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it may add bitterness.

2. Grind Garlic and Onion

Peel the garlic once cooled slightly. In a molcajete (traditional stone mortar and pestle), grind the garlic and onion together until broken down into a rough paste.

3. Add the Chiles

Add the serranos, chile manzano, and jalapeƱos to the molcajete. Mash and grind them into the garlic-onion paste. This is where the salsa gets its heat and texture.

4. Mash the Tomatoes

Add the charred tomatoes last, mashing them thoroughly into the mixture. Work the salsa until you get a chunky, rustic consistencyā€”traditional to molcajete salsas.

5. Season and Adjust

  • Add kosher salt to taste.
  • If the salsa feels too thick, stir in 1ā€“2 tablespoons of water for a smoother pour.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Your spicy, smoky Salsa de Molcajete Picosa is ready! Serve with:

  • Tacos
  • Grilled meats
  • Eggs
  • Tortilla chips

šŸ’” Tips & Variations

  • No molcajete? You can use a blenderā€”pulse instead of purĆ©eing for a chunkier texture.
  • Milder version: Reduce the number of serranos and jalapeƱos.
  • Add acidity: A splash of lime juice or a pinch of vinegar adds brightness.

šŸŒ® Why Youā€™ll Love It

  • Authentic flavor from roasted ingredients
  • Smoky and spicy without overwhelming the palate
  • Versatileā€”great on everything from carne asada to breakfast tacos

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