Smokey Arbol (or Guajilla) Salsa Recipe

Step 1

Warning:  Put on a pair of latex gloves before beginning this recipe.  Always wear gloves when working with hot chile peppers (fresh, dried or roasted chiles).  Never touch your eyes when working with chiles.  Please don't learn this lesson the hard way!

Step 2

Roll the arbol chiles between your fingers to loosen the seeds, then break the chiles in half and shake out as many seeds as will come out easily.  If using grajillos chile peppers, tear them open and sweep out the seeds with your fingers.

Step 3

Measure the vegetable oil into a large (10-inch) skillet and set over medium heat.  Lay all the prepared chile peppers in the hot oil.  Cook and turn constantly until the chiles are aromatic and have changed color slightly, about 30 seconds.  Using a slotted spoon, scoop the chile peppers into a blender jar, leaving behind as much of the oil as possible; set aside.

Step 4

Wipe out the oil from your skillet (no need to wash it), and set the skillet back over medium heat.  Place the garlic cloves and tomatillos (cut side down) in the pan.  When the tomatillos are browned, turned everything over and brown the other side.  Remove from the heat and place the tomatillos/garlic mixture into the blender jar with the chile peppers.  Add the 1/4 cup water and lemon juice.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Blend until nearly smooth.

Step 5

Pour salsa into a bowl and let cool before serving (best if made 1 day ahead).

Step 6

Makes 1 cup salsa.