SMOKY TWO CHILE SALSA

Smoky Two Chile Salsa image

Provided by Steven Raichlen

Yield Makes about 2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 8

8 large dried guajillo chiles or New Mexico chiles, stemmed, seeded, coarsely torn
2 cups hot water
1/2 medium onion, halved lengthwise through core end
3 garlic cloves, peeled
1 to 2 chipotle chiles and 1 to 2 teaspoons adobo from canned chipotles in adobo
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
Coarse kosher salt

Steps:

Place torn chiles in bowl. Add 2 cups hot water; soak at least 2 hours or overnight. Drain chiles, reserving soaking liquid.
Heat small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic to dry skillet; cook until browned in spots, about 6 minutes for garlic and 10 minutes for onion. Trim core from onion. Place onion and garlic in blender. Add drained chiles, 1 cup soaking liquid, 1 chipotle chile, 1 teaspoon adobo, cilantro, and lime juice; puree until smooth. Add remaining chipotle and 1 teaspoon adobo, if desired; puree. Transfer to bowl. Season to taste with coarse salt. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 week ahead. Cover and chill.