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4.9 from 39 votes

Chile de Arbol Salsa Recipe

This chile de arbol salsa recipe is made with dried chile de arbol peppers and a few other fresh flavor-building ingredients. It's definitely hot and spicy! Great for tacos, the ultimate salsa roja.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Servings: 16 tablespoons
Calories: 8 kcal
Course: Appetizer , Condiments
Cuisine: American , Mexican

Ingredients

FOR CHILE DE ARBOL SALSA WITH DRIED PEPPERS
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 ounce dried chile de arbol peppers
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 ounces onion
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • ¼ cup packed cilantro (optional)
  • Juice from 1 small fresh lime
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2-3 tablespoons water for thinning, as desired
FOR CHILE DE ARBOL SALSA WITH FRESH PEPPERS
  • 5 ounces fresh chile de arbol peppers stems and seeds removed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 ounces onion
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • ¼ cup packed cilantro (optional)
  • Juice from 1 small fresh lime
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2-3 tablespoons water for thinning, as desired

Instructions

FOR CHILE DE ARBOL SALSA WITH DRIED PEPPERS
    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring 4 cups water to a boil, then remove from heat.
  2. Remove the stems and seeds from the dried chile de arbol peppers. Removing the seeds is optional for a smoother, less seedy salsa.
  3. Dry toast the chile de arbol peppers in a dry pan, about a minute per side. This will help loosen them and release their natural oils.
  4. Add the toasted peppers to a bowl and cover with the very hot water. Soak them for 15 minutes, or until the peppers are softened. You may need to stir a bit to make sure all of the peppers are submerged.
  5. Heat the olive oil in a large pan. Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes to soften. Add the garlic and cook another minute, until you can smell the garlic. Add it to a food processor or blender.
  6. Add the rehydrated peppers (but NOT the soaking liquid) to the food processor or blender along with the onion, garlic, cilantro (if using), lime juice and salt. You can reserve 2-3 tablespoons of the soaking liquid if desired.
  7. Process until smooth.
  8. Taste and adjust with salt and a few splashes of water (or some of the reserved soaking liquid) for a thinner salsa.
FOR CHILE DE ARBOL SALSA WITH FRESH PEPPERS
  1. Add all of the ingredients to a food processor. Process until smooth.
  2. Pour the mixture into a small pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Cool and serve.

Notes

  • Makes about 1 cup of salsa.
  • NOTE: You can enjoy the salsa right away, but it is better if you transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate at least 2 hours to let the flavors mingle. Overnight is best.
  • Heat Factor: HOT. Chile de arbol peppers have a nice level of heat. Enjoy! To dilute the heat, try adding fresh tomatoes to your salsa.
  • Storage: Keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a month, or in the freezer for 6 months.
  • Calories estimated with dried pods.

Nutrition Information

Calories 8kcal (0%) Carbohydrates 2g (1%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 151mg (6%) Potassium 38mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 486IU (10%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 4mg (0%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16tablespoons

Amount Per Serving

Calories 8

% Daily Value*

Calories 8kcal 0%
Carbohydrates 2g 1%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 151mg 6%
Potassium 38mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 486IU 10%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 4mg 0%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.