MEZCAL SALSA BORRACHA RECIPE

Mezcal Salsa Borracha Recipe image

I was born in Mexico City and raised in Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco, land of tequila. This is my own version of salsa borracha ("drunk" salsa). Most recipes call for beer or tequila for the drunk part, but I like using mezcal for its delicious, lingering smokiness. The rest of the ingredients are simple, but yield rich, powerful flavors. Toasting the dried chiles adds another, more subtle smokiness and activates the oils from the seeds. I call for 1 tablespoon of mezcal, but feel free to adjust up, depending on your mood. More mezcal equals more happiness! This salsa goes very well with carne asada or grilled chicken or fish, or just by itself, with chips.

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

I was born in Mexico City and raised in Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco, land of tequila. This is my own version of salsa borracha ("drunk" salsa). Most recipes call for beer or tequila for the drunk part, but I like using mezcal for its deli
I was born in Mexico City and raised in Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco, land of tequila. This is my own version of salsa borracha ("drunk" salsa). Most recipes call for beer or tequila for the drunk part, but I like using mezcal for its deli
I was born in Mexico City and raised in Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco, land of tequila. This is my own version of salsa borracha ("drunk" salsa). Most recipes call for beer or tequila for the drunk part, but I like using mezcal for its deli
I was born in Mexico City and raised in Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco, land of tequila. This is my own version of salsa borracha ("drunk" salsa). Most recipes call for beer or tequila for the drunk part, but I like using mezcal for its deli
I was born in Mexico City and raised in Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco, land of tequila. This is my own version of salsa borracha ("drunk" salsa). Most recipes call for beer or tequila for the drunk part, but I like using mezcal for its deli
I was born in Mexico City and raised in Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco, land of tequila. This is my own version of salsa borracha ("drunk" salsa). Most recipes call for beer or tequila for the drunk part, but I like using mezcal for its deli
I was born in Mexico City and raised in Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco, land of tequila. This is my own version of salsa borracha ("drunk" salsa). Most recipes call for beer or tequila for the drunk part, but I like using mezcal for its deli

Steps:

Set a small sauté pan over medium-high heat, add the dried chiles, and toast, stirring often, until they become fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Set the chiles aside and add the tomatoes to the pan, roasting until the skins are evenly blistered, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil and add the toasted anchos.
Simmer until the water starts to change color and the red of the chiles becomes more apparent, about 5 minutes. Remove the chiles and carefully take off the stems-wear latex gloves to protect your hands from the fiery oils. Reserve the water. Remove the stems from the toasted arbol chiles.
In a blender, combine the anchos, arbols, tomatoes, garlic, onion, salt, and 1 cup of the reserved chile water.
Blend on high until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the measured mezcal.
Taste the salsa and add additional salt if you think it needs more. If it seems too thick, add more of the chile water until you get the consistency you like. Serve at once, or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.