Chunky and mellow-spiced with roasted jalapeño folded through fresh pico, this version has the heat without the sharpness of raw chile. The roasting rounds out the jalapeño so the burn is slower and less aggressive.
Ingredients
- 4 roma tomatoes, quartered
- ½ onion, cut into medium dice
- 3 jalapeños
- 2½ tbsp garlic, whole peeled cloves
- ½ bunch cilantro, chopped
- 1½ tbsp canola oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- 1
Char the jalapeños directly over a flame or under a broiler until blistered and blackened all over.
- 2
Transfer to a bowl, cover, and let steam for 5–10 minutes.
- 3
Peel off the charred skin, remove the stems and seeds, and finely dice the flesh.
- 4
Toss the tomatoes, onion, and garlic with the canola oil.
- 5
Spread on a sheet tray and roast at 93°C (200°F) for 1 hour, until the tomatoes have softened and darkened slightly.
- 6
Let cool to room temperature, then roughly chop everything together on a cutting board, keeping the texture chunky.
- 7
Combine the roasted tomato mixture with the charred jalapeños.
- 8
Stir in the fresh cilantro.
- 9
Taste and season with salt.
Cook's Note
Remove the seeds entirely, roasted jalapeño seeds have a bitter, papery flavor and uneven heat that doesn't blend well with fresh pico.
Best Served With
Tacos, quesadillas, nachos, or as a table salsa.
Why This Recipe Works
Roasting the jalapeños first removes the raw, sharp edge and gives them a smoky undertone. Mixing into fresh pico means you have the smokiness of cooked chile alongside the brightness of raw tomato and onion.
Make It Yours
- Keep some jalapeño seeds in for more heat.
- Add a roasted serrano or two alongside the jalapeños for a sharper, greener heat profile.
- A squeeze of lime after mixing adds brightness.
- Works as a base for coctel de camarone, just thin it slightly with a splash of lime juice.
Leftover Strategy
Keeps refrigerated for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
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Pairing
Cold lager ↗ or agua fresca.
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