Skip to main content

Salvadoran Salsa Roja

Salvadoran Salsa Roja recipe

The chicken bouillon, though optional, adds a hint of umami and a richness that you won’t get otherwise, perhaps thanks to the MSG most brands contain (no judgment!). Serve on its own with chips or with our pupusas and curtido

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 1½ cups

Ingredients

5 medium ripe tomatoes, quartered
½ medium white onion, coarsely chopped
2 serrano chiles, coarsely chopped
1 garlic clove
5 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder or 2 Tbsp. plus 1/2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 4 tsp. Morton kosher salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Purée tomatoes, onion, chiles, garlic, and bouillon powder, if using, in a blender until smooth.

    Step 2

    Heat oil in a large skillet over medium. Carefully pour tomato mixture into pan; it will spit and bubble, so stand back! Cook salsa, stirring occasionally, until thick and darker in color, 20–30 minutes. Let cool.

    Do ahead: Salsa can be made 2 days ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and chill.\

Read More
This chicken salad nails it—creamy, herby, and endlessly riffable.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Like crispy gnocchi caprese and raspberry—brown butter skillet cake.
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
The secret to flavorful, never-greasy eggplant parm? Brine the eggplant first.
Just as great with coffee for breakfast as it is with amaro for dessert.
Nutty, protein-packed, and batchable—perfect for hectic mornings.