Step 1

Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Hold 4 raw tomatillos back, but place the rest of the halved tomatillos and the roma tomato skin-side down on the baking sheet. Bake until they begin to toast, about 20 minutes.

Step 2

In a food processor, combine the roasted tomatillos and tomatoes, the raw tomatillos, jalapeños (start with a half jalapeño if you're not sure, see note 1), red onion, garlic, cilantro, cumin and oregano. Pulse until the mixture is mostly smooth with some texture (see note 2).

Step 3

Taste and add more chiles and/or seeds depending on your preference for spiciness. Remember, the salsa tastes spicier when warm and when tasted without food. It will be milder after chilling and when eaten with food.

Step 4

Add lemon and lime juices, and season to taste with salt and pepper (I like 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper). Yield: About 2 cups.