Tomato Cilantro Salsa

Guatemalan Tomato Cilantro Salsa Recipe | Ingredients: tomato, garlic, chile flakes, onion, cilantro, salt

Region / culture: Guatemala | Servings: - 6

Introduction

Tomato Cilantro Salsa is a classic and versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. This fresh and flavorful salsa is perfect for dipping tortilla chips, topping tacos, or adding a burst of flavor to grilled meats.

History

Tomato Cilantro Salsa has its origins in Mexican cuisine, where fresh ingredients like tomatoes, cilantro, and chile peppers are commonly used to create vibrant and delicious salsas. This recipe puts a twist on the traditional salsa by using tomato sauce as the base, making it quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

32 oz (907 g) of Hunts tomato sauce (I have tried other brands but I recommend sticking to Hunts.)
0.13 tsp of garlic granules (Do not use any other form of garlic such as powder or the kind with salt mixed in called granula)
0.5-1 tsp of chile flakes
1 small onion, diced or minced
fresh cilantro, rinsed and chopped
salt

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine all the ingredients.
Refrigerate the mixture for at least one hour to enhance the flavor.
Please note that the longer it is refrigerated, the spicier it becomes.
Enjoy the deliciousness!

Variations

Add diced avocado or mango for a tropical twist.
Mix in some black beans or corn for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use fresh and ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.

- Adjust the amount of chile flakes to suit your spice preference.

- Be sure to refrigerate the salsa for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Tomato Cilantro Salsa with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or as a topping for salads.

Cooking Techniques

Simply mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and refrigerate before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce if desired.

- Substitute red onion for the white onion for a milder flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Tomato Cilantro Salsa in a colorful bowl garnished with extra cilantro leaves.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this salsa with a refreshing margarita or a cold beer for a delicious snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 8g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 0g

- Saturated Fat: 0g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 1g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 15%

- Calcium: 2%

- Iron: 4%

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free.

Summary

This Tomato Cilantro Salsa is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy and flavorful addition to your meals.

Summary

- Tomato Cilantro Salsa is a quick and easy recipe that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. With fresh ingredients and simple preparation, this salsa is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Tomato Cilantro Salsa. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Mexico. My grandmother, Mama Rosa, had invited some of her friends over for a fiesta, and I remember watching in awe as she prepared this vibrant and flavorful salsa to serve alongside the tacos and tamales.

Mama Rosa was a master in the kitchen, and she had a knack for bringing out the best flavors in every dish she made. She had learned many of her recipes from her own mother, who had passed them down through generations. But this salsa was different – it was a recipe she had picked up from a friend who lived in a neighboring village.

I remember Mama Rosa showing me how to chop the ripe tomatoes into small, uniform pieces, and how to finely mince the fresh cilantro leaves. She taught me how to carefully dice the onions and the spicy jalapeños, being sure to remove the seeds for a milder flavor. And she showed me how to squeeze the tangy lime juice over the mixture, bringing all the flavors together in perfect harmony.

As I watched Mama Rosa work her magic in the kitchen, I knew that I wanted to learn how to make this salsa for myself. I asked her to teach me the recipe, and she was more than happy to pass down her knowledge to me.

Over the years, I have made this Tomato Cilantro Salsa countless times, and each time I do, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon in Mama Rosa's kitchen. The aroma of the fresh ingredients mingling together, the bright colors of the salsa as it sat in a bowl on the table – it all brings back memories of laughter and joy shared with loved ones.

I have since made this salsa for my own family and friends, and it has become a staple at our gatherings. The fresh, zesty flavors of the tomatoes, cilantro, and lime are the perfect complement to any dish, whether it be tacos, grilled chicken, or simply served with a bowl of crispy tortilla chips.

I have even had friends ask me for the recipe, and I always smile as I pass it along, knowing that it will bring them as much joy and satisfaction as it has brought me over the years. And as I continue to make this salsa, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and traditions that will last a lifetime.

So as I stand in my kitchen, chopping tomatoes and cilantro, dicing onions and jalapeños, I am grateful for the lessons Mama Rosa taught me all those years ago. And I am thankful for the recipe for Tomato Cilantro Salsa, a dish that will always hold a special place in my heart.