Chirmol (Guatemalan Roasted Tomato Salsa)
In short: Smoky Guatemalan salsa of charred tomatoes, onion and chile with cilantro, mint and lime, made to go with grilled meat and tamales. It takes about 30 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 25 kcal
Chirmol is the table salsa of Guatemalan grills and family lunches. Tomatoes, onion and a fresh chile are charred until blistered, then chopped or lightly crushed with cilantro, mint and lime juice. The result is smoky, juicy and bright, thinner than pico de gallo, and made to be spooned over grilled beef, sausages or tamales. It is quick, uses simple ingredients and tastes best on the day it is made.
Instructions
- Heat a grill, cast-iron pan or broiler to high. Char the tomatoes, onion rings, chile and garlic for 10 to 12 minutes, turning, until blackened in spots and soft.
- Peel the garlic and remove the chile stem. For a milder salsa, also remove the chile seeds.
- Chop everything, or crush it in a mortar, into a coarse, juicy salsa.
- Stir in the cilantro, mint, lime juice and salt. Let it stand for 15 minutes so the flavors blend.
- Serve at room temperature with grilled meat, tamales or tortilla chips.
Tips
- Keep the chile seeds for a hotter salsa, use a serrano for more heat, or swap in a mild green pepper for children.
- Mint is typical in Guatemalan chirmol. If you have none, use all cilantro.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between chirmol and pico de gallo?
Chirmol is made with charred tomatoes and onion, so it is juicier with a smoky taste. Pico de gallo uses raw, diced vegetables.
How long does chirmol keep?
Up to 3 days in a covered container in the fridge, though it is brightest on the first day. Stir in fresh herbs again before serving.
What do you eat with chirmol?
Grilled meats and sausages, tamales, chuchitos and fried plantains are all common partners. It is also good with eggs and beans.
How long does it take to make Chirmol (Guatemalan Roasted Tomato Salsa)?
About 30 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Chirmol (Guatemalan Roasted Tomato Salsa)?
About 25 kcal per serving, with 1 g of protein, 5 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 25 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
