After much experimentation, I have finally perfected my salsa recipe and managed to write down the ingredients while creating it. It passed the taste test with flying colors, as a whole pint jar disappeared into the young people who attended my daughter’s college graduation party. So, I suppose it’s safe to say that it’s worth sharing. This recipe yields a mild version of salsa, but you can always adjust the heat by adding more chili peppers according to your preference.
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 pounds (1.4 kg) plum tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup (86 g) black beans, cooked
- ½ cup (82 g) frozen corn
- 1 can (8 ounces, or 225 g) no-salt-added tomato sauce
- 1 chili pepper
- ¼ cup (60 ml) red wine vinegar
- ½ cup (80 g) chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1½ teaspoons cilantro
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1½ teaspoons cumin
PREPARATIONS:
- In a large pot, combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer the mixture until it reaches the desired thickness, which usually takes about 15 minutes.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Once the salsa has reached the desired thickness, pack it into jars and store them in the refrigerator. This recipe makes approximately 3 pints of salsa.
Yield: 48 servings
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- 37 g water
- 18 calories
- 7% from fat
- 19% from protein
- 74% from carbs
- 1 g protein
- 0 g total fat
- 0 g saturated fat
- 0 g monounsaturated fat
- 0 g polyunsaturated fat
- 4 g carbs
- 1 g fiber
- 1 g sugar
- 21 mg phosphorus
- 8 mg calcium
- 0 mg iron
- 25 mg sodium
- 132 mg potassium
- 305 IU vitamin A
- 0 mg ATE vitamin E
- 7 mg vitamin C
- 0 mg cholesterol
TIP: To easily peel tomatoes, dip them into boiling water for approximately 30 seconds. This will cause the skins to come right off, simplifying the process.
Salsa can be made in different ways, including raw or cooked methods. Raw salsas, sometimes called “salsa fresca” or “pico de gallo,” are made by simply combining diced tomatoes, onions, peppers, herbs, and seasonings. This type of salsa is vibrant, with a chunky texture, and it’s best enjoyed immediately. Cooked salsas involve sautéing or roasting the ingredients before blending them together. This process adds complexity and depth of flavor to the salsa.
Salsa is incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways. It is commonly enjoyed as a dip with tortilla chips, offering a burst of flavor and a refreshing accompaniment. Salsa can also be used as a condiment for tacos, burritos, grilled meats, or as a topping for eggs, salads, or roasted vegetables. Its bright and zesty flavors make it an excellent addition to many dishes.
Salsa can be customized to personal taste preferences by adjusting the amounts of ingredients and varying the types of peppers used. Some people prefer a milder salsa and opt for milder peppers like bell peppers or remove the seeds and membranes from hot peppers to reduce the heat. Others enjoy a spicier kick and experiment with hotter varieties of peppers.
Homemade salsa is relatively easy to prepare, allowing you to tailor the flavors and spice level to your liking. Fresh, ripe tomatoes are recommended for the best flavor, but canned tomatoes can also be used when fresh ones are not in season.
In summary, salsa is a versatile sauce or dip made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, herbs, and spices. It provides a vibrant and flavorful addition to many dishes and is commonly enjoyed as a dip with tortilla chips. Salsa can be customized in terms of heat level and ingredients, making it a versatile and popular condiment in Latin American cuisine and beyond.
Enjoy this homemade salsa recipe that has been thoroughly tested and proven to be a hit. Whether you’re serving it at parties or enjoying it with warm tortilla chips, the combination of plum tomatoes, black beans, corn, and flavorful spices will make this salsa a delightful addition to any meal.
