Salsa Ranchera

This recipe is inspired by one of my favorite vegan restaurants in Newport Beach, California, Gracias Madre. Among their amazing tacos and entree dishes, I think their salsas are second to none. One of the newest salsas I attempted is the Salsa Ranchera. You can find the original recipe in their cookbook, The Gracias Madre Cookbook. I’ve modified it and made it a little bit easier for home cooks everywhere.

What is the difference between salsa ranchera and regular salsa?

The main difference between salsa ranchera and a regular salsa, is that salsa rachera is cooked before served as a salsa. The tomatoes and onions are roasted or simmered, resulting in a smoother, richer, and smokier flavor. While a regular salsa is typically minimally processed. It’s usually chopped or blended offering a brighter and often spicier taste.

Salsa Ranchera often includes roasted tomatoes, garlic, onions, and chiles. And regular salsas commonly include tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice. Which is why it’s most popularly used as a dip for chips, as a topping for tacos burritos and other Mexican inspired dishes. The ranchera de salsa is famous for being used as a topping to enchiladas, wet burritos, chili, and as a smokey dip for chips.

Is it difficult to make salsa ranchera?

No, salsa ranchera is generally not hard to make! Whether you roast the vegetables on the stovetop or in the oven, the process is fairly straightforward and doesn’t require any complex techniques. Here’s why:

Simple ingredients: Salsa ranchera typically calls for basic ingredients like tomatoes, onions, chiles, and some spices. You can easily find substitutes for most ingredients if needed.

Flexible preparation: You can choose between roasting the vegetables whole for a smokier flavor or simmering them for a quicker option. Both methods are simple and don’t require fancy equipment.

Room for error: Even if you overcook the vegetables slightly, the final salsa will still be flavorful. You can also adjust the heat level and seasonings to your preference.

Here are some additional factors that might affect difficulty for different individuals:

• Comfort in the kitchen: If you’re a beginner cook, you might find it slightly more challenging than someone who’s comfortable prepping vegetables and cooking on the stovetop.
• Access to ingredients: Depending on your location and grocery store options, finding fresh and flavorful tomatoes, chiles, and other ingredients might vary.
• Personal preferences: Some people might find chopping vegetables tedious, while others enjoy the process.

Overall, salsa ranchera is a beginner-friendly and forgiving recipe. Don’t hesitate to give it a try! You might be surprised at how simple and delicious it is.