Salsa Para Tacos – Tucson’s El Charro Recipe

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’ll be sharing with you the recipe for Salsa Para Tacos – Tucson’s El Charro Recipe. This salsa has been a staple in Tucson, Arizona, since 1922 when my great grandmother opened El Charro Cafe. We’ve been serving it to our customers for almost a century, and it’s become a local favorite. The recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, and I’m excited to share it with you today.

If you’re a fan of Mexican food, then you’re in for a treat. This salsa is the perfect accompaniment to any taco, burrito, or quesadilla. The combination of chilies, salt, dried oregano, vinegar, garlic paste, water, tomato puree, and crushed tomatoes creates a rich and flavorful sauce that will take your taste buds on a journey to Tucson.

Whether you’re a local or not, you’ll love this recipe. It’s easy to make, and the ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores. Plus, it’s gluten-free and vegan, so it’s perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions.

So, put on your apron and get ready to cook up a storm. This salsa is sure to become a regular in your kitchen, and you’ll be proud to serve it to your friends and family. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of Mexican food, then this Salsa Para Tacos – Tucson’s El Charro Recipe is a must-try! This recipe has been passed down for generations and perfected over time by the famous El Charro Cafe in Tucson, Arizona – the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant.

You’ll love this recipe for its rich flavor and perfect balance of spices. The combination of chilies, salt, dried oregano, and vinegar create a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds wanting more. The addition of garlic paste and water gives it a smooth texture that is perfect for dipping your chips or topping your tacos.

This recipe uses high-quality ingredients such as tomato puree and crushed tomatoes, which add depth and richness to the salsa. The use of 2 medium white onions and 1/4 cup of garlic paste creates a robust flavor that is sure to impress your friends and family.

What’s great about this recipe is that it is gluten-free and vegan, making it a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions. This recipe is also versatile – you can use it as a base for your own taco sauce or mix it in with your favorite pico de gallo recipe.

But what truly makes this recipe special is the history behind it. El Charro Cafe has been serving up authentic Mexican food since 1922 and has become a staple in the Tucson community. This recipe is a reflection of their commitment to quality and tradition.

Overall, this Salsa Para Tacos – Tucson’s El Charro Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The combination of high-quality ingredients, rich flavor, and cultural significance make it a recipe that you’ll love and cherish for years to come.

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Salsa Para Tacos recipe from Tucson’s El Charro Cafe:

– 1 cup tomato puree
– 1 cup water
– 1 16-ounce can crushed tomatoes
– 2 medium white onions, chopped
– 1/2 cup garlic paste
– 4 cups chilies
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– 1/4 cup vinegar

This recipe is packed with flavor and bold ingredients that come together to create a perfect salsa for tacos. You can find all of these ingredients at your local grocery store. Don’t be afraid to use fresh ingredients to add extra flavor.

The Recipe How-To

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s start making this amazing salsa para tacos. Follow these steps and you’ll have a perfect El Charro-style salsa:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of tomato puree, 1 cup of crushed tomatoes, and 1 cup of water. Mix well and set aside.
• Finely chop 2 medium white onions and add them to the bowl.
• Add 1/4 cup of garlic paste to the bowl.
• Add 1 tablespoon of dried oregano and 2 tablespoons of vinegar to the bowl.
• Finally, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 cup of chopped chilies to the bowl. Mix well.

Step 2: Cook the Ingredients

• In a large pot, heat 2 cups of oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the contents of the bowl to the pot and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat and let simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Blend the Salsa

• Remove the pot from heat and let it cool for 10 minutes.
• Using a blender, blend the contents of the pot in batches until smooth.
• Once blended, pour the salsa back into the pot and let it cool completely.

Congratulations! Your salsa para tacos is ready to serve.

Step 4: Serve

This salsa is perfect for topping your favorite beef or chicken tacos. It also makes a great dip for chips. Serve it alongside some fresh guacamole or pico de gallo for a complete Mexican food experience.

Step 5: Store

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the salsa for up to 3 months.

Now that you know how to make El Charro’s famous salsa para tacos, you can enjoy it anytime you want. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or for impressing your guests at a party. So go ahead and give it a try!

Substitutions and Variations

While the El Charro Salsa Para Tacos recipe is already an amazing dish, there’s always room for personalization according to your taste buds. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try:

– Heat level: If you prefer a milder salsa, you can decrease the amount of chilies or use a milder variety. For a spicier kick, you can add more chilies or even experiment with different types such as habanero or jalapeno.

– Acid: The recipe calls for vinegar, but you can also try substituting it with lime juice, lemon juice, or even orange juice for a different flavor profile.

– Garlic: If you don’t have garlic paste, you can substitute it with minced garlic or even garlic powder. Just be mindful of the ratios since the flavor can vary.

– Onion: While the recipe calls for medium white onions, you can also try using red onions or even shallots for a different flavor.

– Texture: If you prefer a chunky salsa, you can reduce the amount of tomato puree and crushed tomatoes. Alternatively, you can also blend the salsa for a smoother consistency.

– Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the beef taco or substitute it with grilled vegetables. You can also try adding some fresh avocado or guacamole for a creamy texture.

– Gluten-free: This recipe is already gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

– Other variations: If you want to switch things up, you can try adding some mole sauce for a rich and complex flavor. You can also try incorporating some pico de gallo or even some charro beef for a hearty and delicious twist.

Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and finding what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to try out new ingredients or techniques to make this recipe your own.

Serving and Pairing

This salsa para tacos recipe is the perfect condiment to serve alongside your favorite Mexican dishes. You can pair it with traditional beef tacos, enchiladas, or use it as a dip for chips. It is also a great topping for grilled meats such as chicken or steak.

To elevate the flavors of this salsa even more, consider serving it with fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, and a side of mole sauce. This will create a colorful and flavorful spread that is sure to impress your guests.

If you are looking for a vegan option, this salsa is a great choice. It is gluten-free and contains only natural ingredients, making it a healthy and delicious addition to any meal.

For a complete meal, consider serving this salsa with a side of rice and beans or tamales. You can also use it as a topping for salads or as a marinade for grilled vegetables. The options are endless with this versatile salsa recipe.

Overall, this salsa para tacos recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves authentic Mexican flavors. It is a signature dish of Tucson’s El Charro, the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant. You can now enjoy this delicious recipe at home or order it online for nationwide shipping.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

This salsa para tacos recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. It’s important to let the salsa cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will last up to five days. You can also freeze it for up to three months in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating the salsa is easy. Simply transfer it to a saucepan and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until it’s heated to your liking.

If you’re making this salsa for a party or gathering, I recommend making it a day ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it sits, the better it tastes. This also makes it easier for you to focus on other tasks during your event.

This salsa is a versatile condiment that can be used for more than just tacos. Try it with chips, on a burrito, or alongside any Mexican dish. It’s also gluten-free, vegan, and perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just for yourself, this salsa para tacos recipe is sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make it your own. Enjoy the flavors of Tucson’s El Charro in your own home, and impress your guests with this delicious and authentic salsa.

Tips for Perfect Results

To get the perfect salsa para tacos, there are a few tips that you need to keep in mind. Here are some tips that will help you create the best salsa para tacos:

First, it is important to use fresh ingredients. Make sure that the tomatoes and chilies are ripe and of good quality. This will ensure that your salsa has a fresh and vibrant taste.

Second, be sure to finely chop the onions, garlic, and chilies. This will help to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the salsa.

Third, it is important to let the salsa rest for at least an hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a more harmonious taste.

Fourth, taste the salsa as you make it. If you find that it is too spicy or too acidic, you can adjust the flavors by adding more sugar or lime juice.

Fifth, if you want to add a smoky flavor to your salsa, you can roast the tomatoes, chilies, and onions before adding them to the blender.

Sixth, if you prefer a chunky salsa, you can pulse the ingredients in the blender rather than blending them until they are completely smooth.

Seventh, if you want to make your salsa ahead of time, be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a week.

Eighth, if you want to make your salsa even more flavorful, you can add a pinch of dried oregano or a splash of vinegar.

By following these tips, you will be able to create the perfect salsa para tacos every time. So go ahead and give it a try!

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Salsa Para Tacos recipe from Tucson’s El Charro is a must-try for anyone who loves Mexican food. With its perfect blend of chilies, salt, oregano, and other flavorful ingredients, this salsa is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegan, this recipe can be customized to suit your dietary needs and preferences.

What’s more, El Charro is not just any Mexican restaurant. It is a Tucson institution that has been serving up delicious Mexican cuisine for more than 100 years. It is the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant, and its salsa has become a symbol of Tucson’s rich culinary heritage.

So, if you’re looking for the best salsa recipe in Tucson, look no further than El Charro. And if you can’t make it to Tucson, don’t worry. El Charro offers nationwide shipping, so you can enjoy their delicious salsa no matter where you are.

In conclusion, this salsa recipe is not only delicious but also a part of Tucson’s history and culinary tradition. So, let’s celebrate this amazing recipe and share it with our loved ones. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought salsa again.

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