Turkey Free Smoky BBQ Salsa
This salsa is built entirely on fire and smoke, and it delivers a depth of flavor that store-bought jars simply cannot touch. Roma tomatoes, red bell peppers, and jalapeño all get pressed cut-side down into a screaming-hot cast iron pan until they're deeply charred and blistered — that char is the whole foundation of the recipe. Smoked paprika, cumin, and chipotle powder get bloomed in garlic-infused oil with scallion greens before the chopped vegetables join the pan, so every layer of smokiness is intentional and stacked. A splash of apple cider vinegar and a drizzle of maple syrup round out the heat with just enough brightness and sweetness to keep things balanced. The result is chunky, bold, and versatile — equally at home scooped onto tortilla chips, spooned over eggs, or used as a punchy topping for grilled vegetables. It's completely plant-based and free from any poultry or meat products, so there's nothing to second-guess about what's in the bowl. Optional fresh cilantro at the end keeps it lively, but honestly, this salsa is a showstopper either way.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 4 medium roma tomatoes, halved
- 2 medium red bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 1 jalapeño, halved and seeded
- 2 tbsp garlic-infused oil, divided
- 4 scallions, green tops only, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp chipotle powder
- ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over high heat until very hot, about 2 minutes. Brush the cut sides of the tomatoes, bell peppers, and jalapeño with 1 tablespoon of the garlic-infused oil.
- 2
Place the tomatoes, bell peppers, and jalapeño cut-side down in the dry hot pan. Cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes, until the cut surfaces are deeply charred and the skins begin to blister and loosen. Flip and cook for 2 minutes more, until the skins are softened and the vegetables are tender throughout.
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