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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers » Tomato Molcajete Salsa + VIDEO

    Tomato Molcajete Salsa + VIDEO

    Last Updated November 9, 2022. Originally Posted August 22, 2019 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Tomato Molcajete Salsa is a delicious and tasty topping that goes great with all your favorite Mexican dishes. Or, serve with chips and enjoy!
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Tomato Molcajete Salsa surrounded by chips and jalapenos by Mama Maggie's Kitchen

    Roasted Tomato Salsa in a volcanic rock molcajete surrounded by jalapenos, chips, and a decorative Mexican cloth.

    What is a Molcajete?


    From the native Nahuatl “molcaxitl,” a molcajete is a stone tool used for grinding food. In short, it’s a traditional Mexican cooking instrument similar to a mortar and pestle.

    Unlike salsas made in a blender, salsas made in a molcajete will come out chunky, rustic, and delicious.

    Most people consider molcajete salsas to be better. It’s a labor of love and truly authentic Mexican food.

    Don’t forget to watch the video on how to make Tomato Molcajete Salsa

    Tomatoes, sliced onion, garlic cloves, and jalapeno peppers on a cutting board.

    To make your Tomato Molcajete Salsa, you will need :

    • tomatoes
    • jalapenos
    • garlic
    • onion

    This is a basic Mexican salsa. You can very easily change it up according to your taste.

    Instead of jalapeno, you can also use a serrano pepper.

    • For a milder salsa, diced roasted poblano pepper.
    • For a spicier salsa, use habanero pepper.

    Please note: I am roasting these ingredients. You can also boil the ingredients such as in Mexican Red Salsa.

    Roasted tomatoes and jalapenos roasting on aluminum foil.

    • Roast all the tomatoes on the stove.
    • Or, place under the broiler for 7-8 minutes. Until everything is charred.

    Using aluminum foil paper makes for a super easy clean up. It’s not necessary, but it definitely helps.

    Also check out these Mexican Salsa recipes: Chile de Arbol Salsa, Salsa Borracha, Chipotle Salsa

    Roasted Ingredients for salsa on a decorative Mexican plate.

    If you’re into smoother salsas, this is NOT your recipe. This might offenda those who use a blenda. Lol.

    Some people like the look of a molcajete, but don’t like the work that it takes to make a Tomato Molcajete Salsa.

    Here are some other options:

    • Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
    • Put all the ingredients in a food processor and pulse a few times to make a chunkier salsa.

    From here, pour the salsa into the molcajete and enjoy.

    Empty molcajete or mortar and pestle surrounded by the salsa ingredients and salt.

    How do you clean and season a molcajete

    To season a molcajete, you need rice and a lot of elbow grease. Learn more on how to season a molcajete.

    Before starting on your Tomato Molcajete Salsa, wash the molcajete with soap and water.

    Word to the Wise: Getting it totally clean is virtually impossible. It’s made from volcanic rock and has little holes.

    You can buy a molcajete at just about any Mexican grocery store, or buy one online. (AFFILIATE) They come in different shapes and sizes. I’ve even seen them shaped like pigs.

    Roasted garlic and sea salt in a Mexican molcajete.

    There are a few crucial steps to making Tomato Molcajete Salsa.

    • You always start by mashing the garlic and salt.
    • It will help season the salsa.

    Yes, you can just put all the ingredients in the molcajete and mash away.

    However, to make sure that everything is fully mashed, mash each ingredient one at a time.

    Mashed roasted garlic in a molcajete.

    This is the only time you get to really mash the garlic. If you add it at any other time, you will get chunks of garlic. No one wants that!

    Roasted garlic and salt will also help season the sides of the molcajete.

    You can use fresh garlic, if that is your preference.

    Jalapenos in a molcajete with a pestle surrounded by decorative Mexican plates.

    These are two chile peppers. One is a jalapeno, and the other is a serrano.

    You can use either, or both, or two of the same, or one of each. It all depends on you and your personal tastes.

    A serrano pepper is spicier than a jalapeno.

    Rule of thumb: the smaller the pepper, the spicier it will be. This is not always the case, but in general, this holds true.

    Mashed jalapeno in a molcajete, or mortar and pestle.

    Mash according to the desired texture.

    Leaving the seeds and veins on the jalapeno will make a spicier Tomato Molcajete Salsa.

    How do you reduce spiciness?


    In this case, add more tomatoes to the salsa.
    Or, you can use less of the jalapeno.

    Roasted onions in a gray molcajete.

    Onions can go in here if you like. Mash as much or as little as you like. Or, you can add them at the very, very end.

    Here are some Mexican Salsa without tomato: Avocado Mango Salsa, Avocado Salsa, Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Verde

    Roasted tomato in molcajete with the pestle and mashed jalapeno.

    • When you’re adding the tomatoes, add one at a time.
    • Slowly press down to release the juices of the tomato, then mash away.

    If you start mashing right away, the tomato will squirt at you.

    How many tomatoes do you need? It depends on the size of your molcajete. This is one case where size does matter. 😉

    Tomato molcajete salsa surrounded by cilantro, jalapeno, and chips

    With a spoon, slightly scrape the bottom and sides of the molcajete to combine everything.

    Some ingredients will stay at the bottom. You want to bring all that goodness to the top and throughout the salsa.

    Do you put vinegar in salsa?


    If you want to preserve your salsa, add vinegar. People who can salsa will add vinegar to their salsas.

    Another time vinegar is used in salsas is to replace acid. No lime juice in the kitchen? Add vinegar instead.

    Spoon in molcajete mixing the salsa

    How Long Does Tomato Molcajete Salsa Last?


    A molcajete salsa will last 5-7 days in the fridge.
    A molcajete salsa will last up to 2 months in the fridge.

    There’s something about making it fresh and having a beautiful volcanic rock on the dinner table that is hard to resist.

    Spice up any of your Mexican food dishes like Pork Tamales, Bistec Encebollado, Milanesa de Pollo with this tasty salsa.

    Or, you can also serve as is with chips. Hope you enjoy!

    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

    Roasted Tomato Salsa in a volcanic rock molcajete surrounded by jalapenos, chips, and a decorative Mexican cloth.

    Tomato Molcajete Salsa

    Tomato Molcajete Salsa is a delicious and tasty topping that goes great with all your favorite Mexican dishes. Or, serve with chips and enjoy!
    4.89 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Recipes
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 7 minutes
    Total Time: 17 minutes
    Servings: 10
    Calories: 19kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2-3 tomatoes
    • ¼ onion sliced (or however you like it cut)
    • 2 garlic cloves
    • 1-2 jalapenos peppers depending on heat level
    • 1 teaspoon salt

    Instructions

    • Add olive oil to a pan and place the tomatoes, onion, garlic cloves, and peppers. 
    • Watch the garlic and onions, and remove after 2 minutes so they won’t burn. 
    • Continue cooking the tomatoes and peppers. 
    • Roast until the tomato and jalapeno skins are black. 
    • (You can also do this under the broiler for 5-6 minutes). 
    • Remove and let cool slightly until ready to use. 
    • In a molcajete (or mortar and pestle), add salt and garlic cloves. 
    • Mash until smooth. 
    • Add the jalapenos, mash until smooth or until desired texture. 
    • Add onion, mash slightly. 
    • Add one tomato at a time. 
    • Press down slowly on the tomato to release juices, then continue mashing. 
    • Add the second tomato. 
    • Again, press slowly until the juices have been released, then continue mashing. 
    • With a spoon, mix to combine all the ingredients. 
    • Serve and enjoy. 

    Video

    Notes

    When adding the tomatoes, slowly press down on the tomato, or it will squirt out.
    A molcajete salsa will last 5-7 days in the fridge.
    A molcajete salsa will last up to 2 months in the fridge.
    Add vinegar to preserve the salsa. 
    To reduce the spiciness, add an extra tomato. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 19kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 234mg | Potassium: 62mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 220IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!


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    Filed Under: Appetizers

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Stacie

      December 20, 2018 at 1:02 pm

      That looks really good. I’d love to give this recipe a try. I’ll have to get a molcajete first, though.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 22, 2018 at 1:12 pm

        lol. Yes! A molcajete would be needed in order to make this recipe. 🙂 You should get one!

        Reply
    2. Nikki

      December 20, 2018 at 1:29 pm

      I just saved this recipe! I can’t wait to try it!!! I love love love salsa.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 22, 2018 at 1:12 pm

        Awesome! I mean, who doesn’t love a good chunky Tomato Mocajete Salsa?!!

        Reply
    3. Chad

      December 20, 2018 at 5:10 pm

      I am 100% doing this salsa soon, looks sooooo delicious. Bookmarking it. Thanks a lot for sharing.

      Chad
      http://www.mosaicslab.com

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 22, 2018 at 1:12 pm

        Thanks for bookmarking this recipe for Tomato Molcajete Salsa. It is a keeper!

        Reply
    4. Danielle Wolter

      December 21, 2018 at 4:05 am

      Roasted veggies in salsa are so delicious. There is something about the charred flavor that I love. This looks just incredible!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 22, 2018 at 1:13 pm

        Exactly! I love that charred flavors that are in the Tomato Molcajete Salsa!

        Reply
    5. Tiffany Barry

      December 21, 2018 at 4:28 am

      Saving this recipe! This looks divine, and I definitely need that mortar and pestle!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 22, 2018 at 1:14 pm

        You can make the Tomato Molcajete Salsa in a mortar and pestle. Or, you can add them to a blender and not blend them all the way. However, I kinda like serving it in the volcanic rock.

        Reply
    6. Khushboo Motihar

      December 21, 2018 at 8:39 am

      I love the fresh ingredients used in this salsa! The recipe is so delicious 🙂

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 22, 2018 at 1:14 pm

        Thank you. I love the freshness in this recipe. I tell people that Mexican food is not always spicy, it is always fresh.

        Reply
    7. Bernice

      December 21, 2018 at 9:07 am

      Omg I love this. I will defintely try this. I make salsa with similar ingredients but never roated them first. Mouth is watering now. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 22, 2018 at 1:15 pm

        Thank you!! My mouth waters too each time I see Tomato Molcajete Salsa served in front of me. 🙂

        Reply
    8. Claire Lee

      December 21, 2018 at 9:18 am

      Looks really healthy and delicious! Maybe some nacho chips with it?

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 22, 2018 at 1:15 pm

        Tomato Molcajete Salsa with chips… DEFINITELY a must! Or as a topping on tacos… mmm!!

        Reply
    9. Tammy

      December 21, 2018 at 12:25 pm

      5 stars
      Oooh this looks so yummy! I could eat this whole bowl! 😀

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 22, 2018 at 1:16 pm

        Lol. Me too! I love a good Mexican salsa.

        Reply
    10. Sara

      December 21, 2018 at 1:55 pm

      This looks delicious! My husband is always trying new salsas; I’ll have to give this a try for him!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 22, 2018 at 1:17 pm

        My husband loves salsas too. When we first got married, I really enjoyed sharing with him my culture and all our different foods. Now, he asks for things by name. lol.

        Reply
    11. Suzanne

      December 21, 2018 at 9:43 pm

      Okay, this looks absolutely delicious! I will definitely pin this and make it soon! xo, Suzanne

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 22, 2018 at 1:19 pm

        Thanks for pinning. Do you follow me on Pinterest? https://www.pinterest.com/maggieunz/pins/ I’m on Pinterest alllll day long.

        Reply
    12. Bella and Dawn at Dear Mummy Blog

      December 22, 2018 at 1:23 pm

      We love Mexican food and this dish looks extra tasty! makes a change from the Christmas dinners at this time of year!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 22, 2018 at 1:25 pm

        We make salsa all year long especially during the Christmas season. It goes great on tamales. 🙂

        Reply
    13. Courtney

      December 24, 2018 at 2:09 pm

      5 stars
      Omg can we say yum?!? I just love salsa!! Must give this recipe a try

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        January 1, 2019 at 9:04 am

        Yes. This recipe is a so good. I love a good Tomato Molcajete Salsa.

        Reply
    14. Joel Mandel

      September 3, 2022 at 2:49 pm

      5 stars
      Clear instructions, lots of work to prepare but most definitely worth the effort. Best salsa I’ve ever made it tasted!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        September 17, 2022 at 9:01 am

        Yes, it’s a labor of love. So glad you liked it!

        Reply
    15. Blanca

      November 22, 2022 at 2:18 pm

      4 stars
      Me salió deliciosa, definitivamente el molcajete hace la diferencia….

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 23, 2022 at 2:27 pm

        So glad you liked this recipe!

        Reply

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