It’s time to step beyond the standard salsa from a jar for those chips! Even the most reluctant gourmet cook can explore some culinary options with homemade salsa. If you’re looking for a fresh way to dress up that dish or just put together a new culinary creation, you can easily whip up a batch of this addictive combo-and even experiment with fruit.
Salsa is simply the Spanish word for sauce, and can be made from fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and spices for a unique and creative blend. Homemade salsa is a great opportunity to enjoy the best of summer veggies; raw or slightly cooked, you can make your own signature recipe with minimal trial and error involved. If you can handle the hottest chili peppers, don’t be shy about adding some of these as you cook up the mixture. You’ll find more than one use for those red hot chili peppers; try adding them to fruit salsa can really jazz up a baked fish or chicken dish.
If you prefer a milder tomato and onion mixture, pick up the ripest tomatoes you can find and get started with the chopping. Mild salsa is great as a condiment, side dish, or adding to an omelet or baked potato. For a basic homemade salsa recipe, you do need to keep in mind that prep work will take up a lot of the time. Followed by the stewing process, this can easily turn into a great weekend project.
Homemade Salsa: Classic Recipe
Here’s what you need for a classic homemade salsa recipe:
-6 cups chopped tomatoes
-1/2 cup green onions, diced
-1 cup fresh cilantro
-¼ cup minced garlic
-1/4 cup chopped oregano
-1/8 cup of your favorite chili pepper (jalapenos work well too)
-1 red and 2 yellow peppers, chopped
-1/4 cup olive oil
-3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
-Salt and pepper to taste
-Fresh chili powder
Chop up all the ingredients by hand if you want to create a traditional salsa-making experience. This is a great boredom buster, and a very constructive activity (just don’t rub your eyes at ANY point after you’ve touched those chili peppers). After all the veggies are chopped, add the seasoning and store in a tight container for a few days.
Homemade Salsa: Fruit Variation
When you’re looking for a variation, try a fruit salsa instead. Here’s an easy recipe that balances the taste of the tropics with a little spice:
-1 papaya, diced
-1 mango, diced
-1 red bell pepper
-1/8 cup chopped chilies of choice (jalapenos work well)
-1/4 cup chopped cilantro
-1/4 tsp salt
-2 large oranges
-1 lime
-1/2 cup chopped onions
-1 red and 1 yellow bell pepper
Chop the mango, papaya, orange, and place in a glass bowl; cut the lime in half an drizzle the juice over the mixture. Chill for at least 1 hour. Add chopped bell peppers, cilantro, red onion, and chopped chilies. Add sugar and salt. Refrigerate overnight.
Ready for the challenge of a new culinary venture? Experiment with different additions to these basic recipes and you’re sure to discover your own unique blend this summer-and beyond!
