Fresh Tomato Salsa
Fresh Tomato Salsa Recipe - Authentic Taste of Mexico
Introduction
Fresh tomato salsa is a vibrant and flavorful condiment that is perfect for adding a burst of freshness to any dish. This recipe is simple to make and uses only a few fresh ingredients to create a delicious and healthy salsa.
History
Tomato salsa has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries. The combination of fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro creates a zesty and refreshing salsa that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil.
- Core the tomatoes and make a small "X" cut at the bottom of each.
- Plunge the tomatoes into the boiling water for 30 seconds.
- Using a slotted spoon, immediately transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of cold water.
- Once the tomatoes are cool enough to handle, peel off the skin.
- Cut each tomato horizontally in half (across the equator) and squeeze out the seeds.
- Finely dice the tomatoes and place them in a serving bowl.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients along with 1 tbsp of water.
- Mix everything well.
Variations
- Add diced avocado or mango for a tropical twist. Substitute green onions for the scallions for a milder flavor. Experiment with different types of peppers for varying levels of heat.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
To enhance the flavor of the salsa, be sure to use ripe tomatoes that are preferably vine-ripened. The key to a great salsa is to finely dice the ingredients to ensure a consistent texture. Adjust the amount of jalapeño pepper to suit your spice preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve fresh tomato salsa with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or as a topping for salads.
Cooking Techniques
Boiling the tomatoes helps to easily remove the skin and seeds, resulting in a smoother salsa. Be sure to finely dice the ingredients for a consistent texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have fresh tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes. You can also substitute lemon juice for lime juice.
Make Ahead Tips
Fresh tomato salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time.
Presentation Ideas
Serve fresh tomato salsa in a colorful bowl garnished with extra cilantro leaves. You can also serve it in individual ramekins for a stylish presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Fresh tomato salsa pairs well with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or as a topping for scrambled eggs. It also complements dishes with bold flavors such as spicy chili or rich mole sauce.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature or gently warm it in the microwave.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of fresh tomato salsa contains approximately 20 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of fresh tomato salsa contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Fresh tomato salsa is low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.
Proteins
This salsa is a low-protein dish, with less than 1 gram of protein per serving.
Vitamins and minerals
Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium. Onions and cilantro also provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Alergens
This recipe is free of common allergens such as dairy, nuts, and gluten.
Summary
Fresh tomato salsa is a healthy and flavorful condiment that is low in calories and fat. It is a great source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.
Summary
Fresh tomato salsa is a versatile and healthy condiment that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. This simple recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this delicious salsa as a snack, appetizer, or topping for your favorite dishes.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Fresh Tomato Salsa. It was a warm summer day, and I had just returned from a farmers market where I picked up some ripe tomatoes, onions, and peppers. As I laid out the ingredients on my kitchen counter, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement at the prospect of creating something delicious and fresh.
The recipe itself was simple enough, calling for diced tomatoes, onions, peppers, and a handful of other ingredients like cilantro, lime juice, and salt. But what stood out to me was the way the flavors were combined to create a tangy and spicy salsa that could be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for tacos, nachos, or grilled meats.
I had learned this recipe from an old friend of mine who had spent years traveling through Mexico and Central America, collecting recipes and culinary secrets along the way. She had passed it on to me during one of our regular cooking sessions, where we would experiment with new ingredients and techniques in her cozy kitchen.
As I began chopping the tomatoes and onions, I couldn't help but think back to that day and the time we had spent together. My friend had a way of making even the simplest of dishes feel special, and I could still hear her voice in my head as I measured out the ingredients and mixed them together in a bowl.
The key, she had told me, was to let the flavors meld together for at least an hour before serving, allowing the salsa to develop its full potential. I followed her advice, covering the bowl with plastic wrap and setting it aside on the counter to rest.
As the salsa sat and the flavors mingled, I found myself reminiscing about all the other recipes my friend had shared with me over the years. From traditional tamales to spicy mole sauces, she had introduced me to a world of flavors and techniques that I had never experienced before.
Each recipe had a story behind it, whether it was passed down through generations of her family or discovered during her travels abroad. And as I stirred the salsa one last time before serving, I felt a connection to those stories and the people who had shared them with me.
When I finally tasted the salsa, the flavors exploded on my tongue in a burst of freshness and heat. The tomatoes were sweet and juicy, the onions sharp and tangy, and the peppers added just the right amount of spice. It was a perfect balance of flavors that brought back memories of warm summer evenings spent with friends, sharing laughter and good food.
As I savored each bite, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, a reminder of the sense of wonder and excitement that comes with trying something new. And as I finished the last of the salsa, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of passing it on to the next generation, just as my friend had done for me all those years ago.
Categories
| Jalapeno Pepper Recipes | Lime Juice Recipes | Mexican Recipes | Onion Recipes | Salsa Recipes | Tomato Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes |