Description
This homemade salsa recipe delivers a vibrant, fresh taste that surpasses store-bought versions. It’s quick, easy, and customizable to your preferred level of spice. Perfect as a dip with tortilla chips, a topping for tacos, or a flavorful addition to grilled dishes.
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or one 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes, drained)
- ¼ small white onion, roughly chopped
- ⅓ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and roughly chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Preparation:
Step 1: If using fresh tomatoes, chop them and place them in a strainer or colander set over a bowl. Allow the excess liquid to drain for about 5-10 minutes. This prevents the salsa from becoming too watery. Discard the drained liquid. If using canned diced tomatoes, drain them well.
Step 2: Add the drained tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeno pepper, cumin, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using) to a blender or food processor.
Step 3: Pulse the mixture in short bursts until it reaches your desired consistency. Be careful not to over-process, as you want some texture. Some people prefer a chunky salsa, while others like it smoother.
Step 4: Taste the salsa and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, lime juice, or jalapeno to suit your preferences.
Step 5: Transfer the salsa to an airtight container or jar. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The salsa will taste even better after a few hours or overnight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salsa is incredibly versatile and adaptable. It’s simple to make with readily available ingredients and allows you to control the level of heat and chunkiness. The fresh flavors are a welcome addition to any meal, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s also a healthier alternative to many store-bought salsas, as it contains no added preservatives or artificial flavors.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with tortilla chips as a classic appetizer or snack.
- Top grilled chicken, fish, or steak with a generous spoonful.
- Add to tacos, burritos, or quesadillas for an extra burst of flavor.
- Use as a topping for scrambled eggs or omelets for a zesty breakfast.
- Stir into soups or stews for added depth of flavor.
- Pair with avocado for a delicious salsa and guacamole combination.
Tips:
- For a milder salsa, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeno pepper before chopping. For a spicier salsa, leave some or all of the seeds in.
- Roasting the tomatoes, onion, and jalapeno before blending can add a smoky flavor to the salsa.
- If you don’t have fresh lime juice, bottled lime juice can be used, but the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant.
- Fresh cilantro is essential for the authentic salsa flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with flat-leaf parsley, but it will alter the taste slightly.
- Store the salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size.)
- Calories: 20-30
- Protein: Less than 1 gram
- Sodium: 100-150mg (depending on salt added)
DRINK Rating:
I cannot provide a ‘DRINK Rating’ as this is outside my capabilities.
Conclusion:
This Homemade Salsa recipe is a simple yet satisfying way to elevate your meals and snacks. With its fresh, vibrant flavors and customizable spice level, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and experience the difference that homemade makes!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use different types of tomatoes for this salsa?
A1: Yes, you can experiment with different varieties of tomatoes. Roma tomatoes, plum tomatoes, or even cherry tomatoes can be used. Just be sure to adjust the amount of liquid drained accordingly.
Q2: How long does this salsa last in the refrigerator?
A2: Homemade salsa typically lasts for up to one week in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Q3: Can I freeze this salsa?
A3: While you can freeze salsa, it may affect the texture. The tomatoes can become a bit watery upon thawing. If you do freeze it, store it in an airtight container and thaw it completely before using.
Q4: I don’t have a blender or food processor. Can I still make this salsa?
A4: Yes, you can make it by hand! Finely chop all the ingredients and mix them together in a bowl. It will take a bit more time and effort, but you’ll still get a delicious result.
Q5: What can I do if my salsa is too spicy?
A5: If your salsa is too spicy, you can add a little bit of sugar or lime juice to help balance the heat. You can also add more tomatoes or other mild vegetables to dilute the spiciness.
