Ah, salsa—such a vibrant and zesty concoction that can easily steal the spotlight at any gathering! It’s like a dance party for your taste buds, with each ingredient bringing its own unique rhythm and flair. I remember the first time I tried making it myself; the kitchen was filled with the aroma of fresh cilantro and lime, and I couldn’t resist sneaking a taste before it even hit the table. Whether you’re dipping chips or topping tacos, this easy homemade salsa is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
Steps
- Drain the tomatoes by placing them in a colander over a bowl, saving the juice for potential later use.
- Soak the chopped onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse to reduce its sharpness.
- Adjust the spice level of the peppers: remove seeds and membranes for mild, leave some for medium, or keep them intact for hot salsa.
- Finely chop the garlic using a blender or food processor.
- Add the drained tomatoes, rinsed onions, prepared peppers, cilantro, salt, and lime juice to the blender or processor.
- Pulse until the desired salsa texture is achieved, seasoning with additional salt or lime juice if needed, and adjusting thickness with reserved tomato juice.
- Refrigerate the salsa for at least 30 minutes to enhance and meld the flavors before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 (15 oz) cans of fire-roasted tomatoes or 4 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes (approximately 1 ¾ pounds)
- 1/3 cup of chopped white or sweet onion
- 2 medium cloves of garlic
- 1 to 2 medium jalapeño or serrano peppers
- 1 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 to 2 medium limes
- 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt, plus additional salt to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 240 | Total Fat: 2.4g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 1226.4mg | Carbohydrate: 52.8g | Dietary Fiber: 14.4g | Total Sugars: 31.2g | Protein: 10.8g
FAQ
- How long does homemade salsa last in the refrigerator?
- Homemade salsa can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, and possibly even longer if kept in an airtight container.
- What should I do if I find raw onions too strong in salsa?
- To mellow the raw taste of onions, soak the chopped onions in cold water for about 10 minutes, then rinse and drain them before adding to the salsa.
- How can I adjust the spice level of my salsa?
- You can control the heat by modifying the amount of pepper seeds and membrane you include. Removing all seeds and membrane will result in a mild salsa, while leaving them intact will create a hotter salsa.
- Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
- Yes, both fresh and canned tomatoes work well for this recipe. For added flavor, try using fire-roasted canned tomatoes.
- Is it possible to add other flavors to the salsa?
- Absolutely! For a smoky twist, add chopped canned chipotles in adobo. For a bit of crunch, try incorporating some white cabbage.
Tips
- Utilize the Pulse Feature: When using a blender or food processor, opt for the pulse function to control the texture of your salsa. This will help you achieve a consistency similar to restaurant-style salsa, allowing you to make it as chunky or smooth as you like.
- Soften the Onion’s Flavor: If you find raw onions too strong, try soaking chopped onions in cold water for about 10 minutes before draining and rinsing them. This will mellow out the sharpness and integrate better with the other ingredients.
- Customize the Spice Level: Tailor the heat of your salsa by adjusting the amount of seeds and membrane from the peppers. Removing all seeds and membranes will result in a mild salsa, while leaving them intact will give you a hotter version.
- Allow Flavors to Develop: For a more flavorful salsa, prepare it at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the ingredients to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
Equipment
- Blender or Food Processor – Essential for pulsing the ingredients to achieve the desired salsa texture.
- Colander – Useful for draining the tomatoes.
- Citrus Juicer – Handy for extracting juice from the limes efficiently.
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board – While many might have these, high-quality versions can make the preparation process smoother.
