Essential Chopped Tomato-Serrano Salsa

Essential Chopped Tomato-Serrano Salsa Recipe from Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

This Essential Chopped Tomato-Serrano Salsa is a classic Mexican condiment that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. With the perfect balance of fresh tomatoes, spicy serrano chiles, and aromatic cilantro, this salsa is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

History

Chopped tomato salsa, also known as pico de gallo, has been a popular condiment in Mexican cuisine for centuries. The combination of fresh tomatoes, chiles, onions, and cilantro creates a vibrant and flavorful salsa that is perfect for topping tacos, nachos, or grilled meats.

Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) of ripe tomatoes (2 medium-small, round or 4 – 5 plum)
Fresh serrano chiles to taste (roughly 3 – 5 or 0.5 – 1 oz (28 g) total, or even more if you like it really spicy), stemmed
12 or so large sprigs of cilantro
1 large garlic clove, peeled and very finely chopped (optional)
1 small white onion (4 oz or 113 g)
1.5 tsp of fresh lime juice
about 0.75 tsp of salt

How to prepare

Core the tomatoes, then halve them width-wise and remove the seeds if desired (this will give the sauce a smoother appearance).
Finely dice the tomato flesh by slicing it into approximately 0.25 inch thick pieces, then cutting each slice into small cubes.
Transfer the diced tomatoes to a bowl.
Halve the chiles length-wise (use rubber gloves if your hands are sensitive to the heat of the chiles) and remove the seeds if desired (this will reduce the spiciness of the salsa).
Finely chop the chiles and add them to the tomatoes.
Gently gather the cilantro sprigs and, using a sharp knife, slice them into 0.06 inch thick pieces, including the stems, starting from the leafy end and continuing until you reach the end of the leaves.
Add the chopped cilantro to the tomato mixture along with the optional garlic.
Dice the onion finely with a knife (avoid using a food processor as it will result in a watery consistency), place it in a small strainer, and rinse it under cold water.
Shake off the excess water and add the rinsed onion to the tomato mixture.
Taste and season with lime juice and salt, and allow the flavors to blend by letting it sit for a while, if time permits, before using or transferring to a salsa dish for serving.

Variations

Add diced avocado for a creamy texture.
Mix in diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and spicy twist.
Roast the tomatoes and chiles for a smoky flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove the seeds from the tomatoes and chiles if you prefer a smoother salsa.

- Use rubber gloves when handling the chiles to avoid irritation.

- Rinse the diced onion under cold water to remove any harsh flavors.

- Let the salsa sit for a while to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salsa with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or as a topping for scrambled eggs.

Cooking Techniques

Use a sharp knife to finely dice the tomatoes, chiles, and onions.

- Rinse the diced onion under cold water to remove any harsh flavors.

- Let the salsa sit for a while to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use jalapenos instead of serrano chiles for a milder salsa.

- Substitute lemon juice for lime juice if desired.

- Use red onions for a slightly sweeter flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before serving to allow the flavors to come together.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this salsa in a colorful bowl with a garnish of fresh cilantro leaves for a vibrant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salsa pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or as a topping for tacos or nachos.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this salsa contains approximately 20 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this salsa contains approximately 4 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This salsa is low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

There is less than 1 gram of protein per serving in this salsa.

Vitamins and minerals

This salsa is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and folate.

Alergens

This salsa is gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free.

Summary

Overall, this Essential Chopped Tomato-Serrano Salsa is a healthy and flavorful condiment that is perfect for adding a kick to your favorite dishes.

Summary

This Essential Chopped Tomato-Serrano Salsa is a versatile and flavorful condiment that is perfect for adding a kick to your favorite dishes. With fresh tomatoes, spicy chiles, and aromatic cilantro, this salsa is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the most incredible aroma of fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and fiery serrano peppers.

Maria, with her gentle smile and twinkling eyes, handed me a small bowl of the salsa she had just made. "Try this, mi amiga," she said. "It's a family recipe passed down through generations."

I took a small taste, and my taste buds were instantly awakened. The sweetness of the tomatoes, the freshness of the cilantro, and the kick of the serrano peppers danced on my palate in perfect harmony. I knew right then and there that I needed to learn how to make this salsa myself.

Maria, seeing the look of delight on my face, offered to teach me the recipe. We spent the afternoon chopping tomatoes, mincing serrano peppers, and finely chopping cilantro. Maria shared stories of her childhood in Mexico, where she learned the art of cooking from her own grandmother.

As we worked together in the kitchen, I felt a deep sense of connection to my friend and to the generations of women who had come before us. I realized that this salsa was more than just a recipe – it was a piece of our shared heritage, a link to the past that brought us closer together.

After hours of chopping, mixing, and tasting, we finally finished our salsa. Maria scooped up a generous spoonful and held it out to me with a smile. I took a bite, savoring the flavors that had been lovingly crafted by our hands.

"Perfecto," Maria declared, her eyes shining with pride. "You have the touch, mi amiga. This salsa will be a hit at your next gathering."

And she was right. From that day on, the Essential Chopped Tomato-Serrano Salsa became a staple at my own table. I shared the recipe with my daughters and granddaughters, passing on the tradition of making this delicious salsa with love and care.

Each time I make this salsa, I am reminded of that summer day in Maria's kitchen, of the laughter and friendship we shared, and of the bond that was created over a simple bowl of chopped tomatoes, serrano peppers, and cilantro.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a fresh and flavorful salsa recipe, look no further than the Essential Chopped Tomato-Serrano Salsa. It's more than just a dish – it's a taste of tradition, a connection to the past, and a reminder of the power of food to bring people together.