Smoky Four-Pepper Salsa is a bold, fire-roasted salsa loaded with rich tomato flavor and smoky charred peppers. Made with plum tomatoes, poblano peppers, Anaheim chiles, jalapeños, and a touch of mesquite, this homemade salsa brings authentic Mexican-inspired flavor to tacos, nachos, bowls, and appetizers. It’s easy to adjust the heat level and perfect for meal prep, parties, or weekly snacking.
Prep Time: 20 mins • Cook Time: 10 mins • Additional Time: 15 mins • Total Time: 45 mins • Servings: 12
Ingredients
- 8 ripe plum tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large green bell pepper
- 4 poblano peppers
- 4 Anaheim chile peppers
- 1 jalapeño pepper (more for extra heat)
- ¼ onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ teaspoon mesquite-flavored liquid smoke (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat. Lightly rub the tomatoes with vegetable oil and place them on the grill.
Step 2
Grill tomatoes for about 10 minutes, turning once. Add the bell pepper, poblano peppers, Anaheim peppers, and jalapeño; grill each side for 5 to 7 minutes until the skins blister but don’t blacken.
Step 3
Transfer grilled tomatoes to a bowl. Place all peppers in an airtight container to steam and loosen the skins. Allow everything to cool for easier handling.
Step 4
Peel the tomatoes and drain excess liquid. Peel and seed the peppers, removing stems and charred skins.
Step 5
Add tomatoes, peppers, onion, cilantro, vinegar, salt, and garlic to a food processor. Pulse to your desired texture, then add liquid smoke (if using) and pulse again briefly.
Cook’s Note
- Don’t over-char the peppers—aim for blistered skins, not burned.
- Add more jalapeño or leave the seeds in for extra heat.
- Pulse less for a chunky salsa or longer for a smoother dip.
How to Store
Store Smoky Four-Pepper Salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 38
- Total Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 396mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Vitamin C: 62mg
- Calcium: 14mg
- Iron: 1mg
- Potassium: 257mg