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Pan-Roasted Tomato Salsa- ‘satini pomme d’amour’

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A jar full of satini (tomato salsa) in focus and a bottle of olive oil, some cumin in a small timber bowl, some garlic cloves and a small bucket full of mini tomatoes in the background

A great salsa is a wonderful accompaniment to a myriad of snacks and dishes. Fresh, tomato-ey, herby, tangy, spicy- this vibrant pan roasted tomato salsa is all you need to spruce up your wraps, snacks and rice bowls.

A staple condiment in most households, Mauritian tomato salsa or satini pomme d’amour has different variations.  A chopped tomato version much like the pico de gallo is often served with biryanis. A pureed version like a crushed salsa accompanies various pakoras as well as rice dishes. In the older days, satini was ground outdoors on a roche cari– square stone with a smooth stone pestle and a dose of strong wrist action.  Our grandmothers knew the precise order of ingredients with which to start grinding in order to end up with a smooth satini.

  • Mini tomatoes, a quarter onions, some coriander, a few green chilies and some garlic cloves spread onto a piece of jute
  • Pan roasted mini tomatoes, garlic, chili, and onion in a pan with a bottle of olive oil and a small rusted bucket full of mini tomatoes in the background.

Today, we are much aided by the introduction of blenders and choppers in our kitchen.  For our version of the satini, we took inspiration from the roasted Mexican salsa to pan-roast the tomatoes, onion and garlic. This not only enhances the flavour of the tomatoes but also removes moisture to make a thick salsa. Eat as a dip for some crunchy papadums, served over some grilled chicken, with savoury pancakes . The list goes on.

  • A hand shot- Focus on a spoonful of satini (tomato salsa) over jar full and a bottle of olive oil, some pappadam, some chilies and a small bucket full of mini tomatoes in the background.

QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT PAN ROASTED TOMATO SALSA
What tomatoes are best for making this salsa?
Ripe and fleshy tomatoes such as Plum/Roma work best.

Can I skip the pan-roasting step?
Yes, you can skip this step. It will still be delicious albeit more watery.

Can I use another herb?
Sure! The world is your oyster.

A jar full of satini (tomato salsa) in focus and a bottle of olive oil, some cumin in a small timber bowl, some garlic cloves and a small bucket full of mini tomatoes in the background

Pan-Roasted Tomato Salsa- ‘satini pomme d’amour’

Fresh, tomato-ey, herby, tangy, spicy- this vibrant pan roasted tomato salsa is all you need to spruce up your wraps, snacks and rice bowls.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Side Dish
Servings 1 small jar

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g ripe tomatoes (halved if using large tomatoes)
  • ½ small onion
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1-2 green chillies (optional)
  • ½ tsp cumin seeds
  • ½ tsp salt
  • a handful (about 10g) coriander

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a hot heavy bottomed pan.
  • Add all ingredients besides the coriander and salt and cook uncovered on medium high for 3-5 minutes or until lightly charred. Turn and cook on the other side for another 3-5 minutes. (for oven-roasting instructions, see note below)°
  • Allow to cool lightly and blend all pan roasted ingredients and coriander together.
  • Season and serve.

Notes

To perform the roasting in an oven, turn on the grill at 200 degrees C. Roast the tomatoes, garlic and onion in a single layer on a sheet tray for 5-8 minutes or until lightly charred.