Mark Miller writes: “Ripe red tomatoes roasted on a hot steel comal until the skins blacken are a basic element of many Mexican salsas. The smoky flavor adds a complexity to the taste of ripe tomatoes. Mixing fresh mint as a counterpoint to this cooked flavor creates the combination of raw and cooked which is one of the classic taste motifs of Southwestern cuisine. This salsa goes particularly well with the wild Churro lamb that we serve at Coyote Cafe because it does not mask the Churro’s unique taste. It can be served with venison chops, grilled pork, grilled marlin, and that faithful standby, tortilla chips.”
INGREDIENTS:
12 large Roma tomatoes, tops removed
2 cloves garlic
4 tablespoons lime juice (~ two Mexican limes)
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 serrano peppers minced, with seeds
3 tablespoons cilantro, minced
7 tablespoons spearmint, minced
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 teaspoon orange zest
Salt
METHOD:
With a comal or black iron skillet over medium-high heat, cook the tomatoes until blackened all over.
While still warm, pulse tomatoes with the garlic in a food processor until roughly chopped. Let cool to room temperature and add the remaining ingredients. Mix together and let sit at least 30 minutes before using.
YIELD: Serves 6
SOURCE: Chef Mark Miller of the Coyote Cafe, Santa Fe, New Mexico
