How to Make Amazing Fresh Salsa

The fresher the ingredients the better the salsa

Fresh salsa, made right in your own kitchen, is always a crowd-pleaser. Using a sharp knife and ingredients from your garden, a farmers' market or your local grocer, make this amazingly fresh and simple salsa recipe, and wow your guests at your next barbecue or Mexican dinner. Leftovers are perfect for snacking in front of the TV.

Things You'll Need

• 4 cups chopped peeled fresh tomatoes
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tbsp. lime juice
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Tortilla chips

Instructions

1. Dice the tomatoes into small pieces and transfer to a glass mixing bowl. Using glass, which is non-reactive, will ensure that the flavors stay as fresh as possible.

2. Chop the onion into very small pieces and add to the tomatoes.

3. Remove the seeds and chop the jalapeno pepper. Add it to the tomatoes. You can control the "heat" of the salsa by adding more or less of this ingredient.

4. Peel and mince one garlic clove and add to the other ingredients.

5. Measure and add the olive oil, cumin, lime juice and salt.

6. Gently stir the ingredients together and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight, allowing the flavors to "marry." Serve with your favorite tortilla chips.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the freshest ingredients possible.

• Wash your hands carefully after cutting the jalapeno peppers. Avoid touching your eyes as it may cause burning.

References

• Great-Salsa.com: Canning Salsa Ingredients
• Old Fashioned Living; Sassy Salsa; Brenda Hyde; 2000
• North Dakota State University; From Garden to Table: Salsa; Ron Smith et al.; June 2011

Resources

• Comedor Guadalajara: Mexican Food -- Marrying of Flavors