Originating in Mexico, salsa simply means “sauce.” A blend of chopped fruit and vegetables, with fresh herbs and spices, salsa adds pizzazz to a wide array of summer dishes.
Salsa is super easy to make — just combine summer fresh ingredients in a bowl and serve. Now, when summer gardens are at their peak, is the perfect time to experiment with making your own salsa.
Once you try fresh salsa, the jar will stay in the cupboard.
Here is what you’ll need to make a traditional salsa.
• Tomatoes — Any fresh garden tomatoes including red, yellow, roma, grape, or cherry tomatoes will all work. Tomatoes can be coarsely diced (or grape tomatoes can simply be sliced in half). The seeds don't have to be removed, but can be if preferred.
• Bell pepper — Some salsa recipes don't use these mild peppers because bell peppers don't add heat, but they will add color, texture and lots of Vitamin C. Yellow, red or green bell peppers can all be used.
• Chile Peppers: The type of Chile peppers chosen determines the heat. For mild salsa, use banana peppers or Anaheim peppers. For a medium salsa, use jalapeno or ancho peppers. And for hot salsa use Serrano peppers. Fiery hot salsa calls for piquin or habenero peppers. Wear gloves when working with hot peppers and avoid touching your eyes and other sensitive areas after handling.
• Citrus — A squeeze of lime or lemon juice balances the heat of the peppers.
• Seasonings — Diced onion, garlic, and cilantro are traditional. Parsley can be used if you don't like cilantro.
• Additional ingredients — Here is where you can be creative. Black beans, cooked corn, and cucumbers are great choices.
Salsa can also be made using fruit as the base. Instead of tomatoes try diced pineapple, nectarines, peaches, mango and even watermelon. The sweetness of fresh fruit balances the heat of the Chile peppers. Fruit salsa is a great companion to grilled fish and poultry.
Once you start making fresh salsa, you’ll find it easy to experiment without a recipe. Here are two easy recipes to get started. The amount of vegetables, fruits and seasonings can easily be modified to your taste. Enjoy!
Pico de Gallo
3 large diced tomatoes
1 small diced yellow bell pepper
2 finely diced jalapeno peppers
1 small diced white onion
¼ - ½ cup chopped cilantro
1 clove garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lime
½ tsp salt (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and serve.
Mango Salsa
1 large mango, diced
1½ cups corn (cooked and cooled)
1 15-oz can black beans, drained
1 small onion, diced
1 small red pepper, diced
2 jalapeno peppers, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lime
3 Tbsp chopped cilantro
¼ tsp salt (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and serve.