Salsa de chile de arbol

This past Sunday we had a little family get together after mass at my sister's house in the central valley. It was 98 degrees outside - people were sweaty and uncomfortable (because of the heat) and the kids were jumping into the pool. The adults ate - my sister and myself made the executive decision to buy majority of the food since-  well we were not about to make food for 50ish people.
However, we each did make one thing each - mine required much less effort. :)

My sister made a cabbage pico de gallo type salad that my fiancé mistakes for ceviche all the time - there is no fish element in it. (Don't worry I will share that later on here).

I made a simple salsa de chile arbol. My tias were in disbelief that I made such a good salsa...they were all "what! you cook? since when?"

I have a passion for cooking... As a little girl I watched my mom cook all the time. I also remember coming home from school and coughing as soon as I got into the house because my mom had just made this salsa - that's what happens when it is this hot.

Here is what you will need to make this salsa - WARNING: it is spicy!

1/2 of a tomato
18 tomatillos or small heirloom tomatoes (I used both)
1/2 purple onion
5 cloves of garlic
10 dried chiles de arbol
a handful of cilantro
the juice of one lemon
salt to taste


I like to throw the tomatoes and tomatillos on the comal and roast them to get them nice and soft; while at the same time I boil the dried chiles de arbol. It is quick and easy - make sure to only boil the chiles de arbol for about 7 minutes. Drain them and handle with care when cutting off stems; in other words don't touch your face!
While the two above ingredients are over heat- chop the onion, garlic and cilantro and add to blender. Add tomatoes, chiles de arbol - blend, pulse, stop, add lemon juice, and salt to your liking. Enjoy!