Ingredients

• 4 dried arbol chiles, stemmed
• 1 pound plum tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (preferably Mexican)
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• Pinch of sugar
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. Toast the chiles in a dry skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat, shaking the pan, about 2 minutes. Pour 1/2 cup boiling water on top, cover and let soak 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, preheat a grill or grill pan to high. Grill the tomatoes, turning, until charred. Transfer to a food processor. Add the chiles and their soaking water, onion, garlic, oregano, lime juice, sugar and 1 1/4 teaspoons salt; pulse until chunky. Set aside, about 1 hour. Garnish with cilantro.
3. Photograph by Tina Rupp