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Easy “Ají de Tomate de Arbol” (Tree Tomato Salsa)

Yields8 ServingsPrep Time15 minsCook Time5 minsTotal Time20 mins

The easiest-peasiest-yummiest salsa on the Planet!

Ají de Tomate de Arbol Salsa

 4 tree tomatoes ("tomate de arbol", a.k.a. tamarillos)
 2 small hot peppers (serranos or red chilies are good options)
 ½ cup finely chopped white onion
 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro (a.k.a. coriander)
 1 tbsp lemon juice
 ¼ cup water (or to desired consistency)
 salt and pepper to taste
1

Pierce the skin of each tamarillo with a sharp knife and immerse them in boiling water for about 5 minutes to make them easier to peel.

Briefly submerge the tomatillos in boiling water to aid in peeling them.

2

After the brief boil, I found them super easy to peel – much like a banana. I only occasionally needed a sharp knife to scrape a bit of pulp from the peels.

Tomatillos are very easy to peel - much like a banana.

3

Finely chop the hot peppers, removing membranes and seeds (reserve a few seeds to later add a bit more "heat" to the ají if desired).

Chopped onion and cilantro.

4

Place the chopped peppers and the peeled tree tomatoes in a blender or food processor; blend until smooth.

Blend the chopped hot peppers with the peeled tree tomatoes until smooth.

5

Transfer the mixture to a small sauce pan, adding water to desired consistency (I prefer it a bit thinner than pudding). Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes.

6

Remove from heat and add the lemon juice, along with the chopped onion and cilantro. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.

Serve at room temperature as a condiment for spicing up tacos, arepas, rice, refried beans, scrambled eggs - younameit!

Add lime juice, chopped onion and cilantro.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 2 cups

Servings 8

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