Salsa Basic

Salsa Basic Recipe from Mexico - Tomatoes, Limes, Cilantro, Onion, Garlic, Cumin, Garlic Salt, Cayenne Pepper

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Salsa is a versatile and flavorful condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes or simply enjoyed with tortilla chips. This basic salsa recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

History

Salsa has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries, with variations of the condiment dating back to the Aztecs. The word "salsa" actually means sauce in Spanish, and there are countless variations of salsa recipes that have evolved over time.

Ingredients

28 oz (794 g) of diced tomatoes
3-4 jalapeños (1 or 2 for mild, 5 or 6 for hot)
2 limes
1 bunch of cilantro
1 medium white onion
2 cloves of garlic
3 rounded teaspoons of cumin
1 tsp of garlic salt
1 tsp of cayenne pepper

How to prepare

Set up your blender and add all the ingredients. Do not start blending until everything is together!
Put the tomatoes in the blender.
Slice open the jalapeños and remove the seeds. The white portion and seeds inside the jalapeño are where most of the heat is, so if you want a milder salsa, cut that portion out. Put the jalapeños in the blender.
Juice the limes and add the juice to the blender.
Peel the garlic cloves and onion, quarter each, and add them to the blender.
Separate as many stems as you can from the cilantro and add the herb to the blender. It should look like half of the blender is filled with cilantro.
Add the remaining spices to the blender. You can adjust the amount of cumin according to your preference. Paprika can also be used for a different flavor.
Blend all the ingredients together. Use a high speed to chop the tomatoes and onions. If you prefer a chunkier salsa, use a lower mixer setting and pulse the blender.
Before removing the salsa from the blender, taste it with chips to see if you need to add anything else.
Pour the salsa from the blender into a medium saucepan on the stove. Set the heat to high and stir frequently.
Once the mixture reaches a quick boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and simmer for about 45 minutes.
The freshly made, hot-off-the-stove salsa is the best, but you can also cool it in the fridge or can it for later consumption. The quantity of the mixture will require a good-sized sealable container to store what you don't eat right away.
Next time, you can try using different peppers such as serrano, poblano, or habanero, or even tomatillos for a variation. If you have a stove top smoker, you can smoke the veggies before blending to add a really good flavor. Be adventurous and if you come up with something delicious, share it with the rest of us! (e.g. Salsa Jones, Salsa Loco, Salsa Hawaiian... be creative!)

Variations

Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and spicy salsa.
Roast the tomatoes, jalapeños, and garlic before blending for a smoky flavor.
Use different types of peppers for a unique twist on this classic salsa recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the heat level of the salsa.

- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

- Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the salsa to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

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

Cooking Techniques

Blending the ingredients together creates a smooth salsa, while pulsing the blender will result in a chunkier texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead. You can also use lemon juice in place of lime juice.

Make Ahead Tips

This salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also freezes well for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salsa in a colorful bowl with a garnish of fresh cilantro or a slice of lime on the side.

Pairing Recommendations

This salsa pairs well with Mexican dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, or quesadillas. It also complements grilled meats and seafood.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this salsa recipe contains approximately 20 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this salsa recipe contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This salsa recipe 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 recipe.

Vitamins and minerals

Salsa is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the tomatoes and lime juice in this recipe. It also contains small amounts of vitamin A and potassium.

Alergens

This salsa recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. However, it does contain garlic and onion, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, this salsa recipe is a low-calorie, flavorful condiment that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

This basic salsa recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy it as a condiment or snack with tortilla chips or use it to add flavor to your favorite dishes.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its flavors. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished tending to my garden. As I was walking back to the house, I saw my neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, sitting on her porch with a bowl of what looked like the most delicious salsa I had ever seen.

Intrigued, I walked over to her and asked what she was eating. Mrs. Jenkins smiled and told me it was her famous Salsa Basic recipe. She explained that she had learned how to make it from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations.

I was immediately hooked and begged Mrs. Jenkins to share the recipe with me. She laughed and agreed, saying that it was a simple recipe that anyone could make. She listed off the ingredients: ripe tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.

Excited, I rushed home and gathered the ingredients. I carefully chopped the tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos, being sure to remove the seeds to control the heat. I minced the cilantro and squeezed in the fresh lime juice, finishing it off with a sprinkle of salt.

As I tasted the salsa for the first time, I was blown away by the burst of flavors. The sweetness of the tomatoes, the sharpness of the onions, the heat of the jalapenos, and the freshness of the cilantro all melded together perfectly. It was unlike any salsa I had ever tasted before.

From that day on, I made Salsa Basic whenever I could. I served it at family gatherings, potlucks, and even just as a snack for myself. Each time, it was met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

Years went by, and I continued to make Salsa Basic, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. I added extra jalapenos for more heat, swapped out the onions for red onions for a milder flavor, and experimented with different varieties of tomatoes.

One day, as I was making a batch of Salsa Basic, my daughter walked into the kitchen and asked me where I had learned to make it. I smiled and told her about Mrs. Jenkins and how she had graciously shared the recipe with me all those years ago.

My daughter was intrigued and asked if I had any other recipes that I had learned from others. I thought for a moment before remembering a recipe for homemade bread that I had learned from a dear friend. I eagerly shared the recipe with my daughter, and together we made a loaf of bread that was devoured within minutes.

As the years went by, I continued to collect recipes from friends, family, and even strangers. Each recipe held a special memory or connection, whether it was a dish shared at a holiday gathering or a secret family recipe passed down through generations.

And as I grew older, I realized that these recipes were more than just a list of ingredients and instructions. They were a way to connect with others, to share stories and memories, and to create something delicious that brought joy to those around me.

So whenever I make Salsa Basic now, I think of Mrs. Jenkins and the warm summer day when she first shared the recipe with me. And I am grateful for the connection that food has brought into my life, allowing me to share a piece of myself with others through the simple act of cooking.