How to Make Mexican Salsa Ingredients

Mexican salsa is a staple in many cupboards and refrigerators. You can easily run out and pick up a jar of the commercial variety at your local supermarket, but you can create a more authentic, fresh-tasting version using common ingredients. This is a fun and inexpensive introduction to authentic Mexican cuisine. The following recipe makes about 2 cups of traditional Mexican salsa, which is also known as Salsa Mexicana or Pico de Gallo.

Things You'll Need

• Chef/chopping knife
• Medium mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• 1 large, ripe red tomato
• 1/3 large onion
• 1-2 chile, serrano, jalapeno or habanero peppers, depending on what's in season and desired heat
• 1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. 

   Finely dice tomatoes, onions and peppers between 1/8- and 1/4-inch, and add to bowl. Onions can be shopped more finely than other vegetables, depending on taste preference.

2. Mix in cilantro, lime juice and salt and stir gently until all ingredients are lightly coated with lime juice.

3. 

   Refrigerate in covered bowl for at least 30 minutes prior to serving.

Tips & Warnings

• Serving immediately is best for consistency, but the mixture will keep for up to 3 days. Feel free to experiment. Tasty add-ins include avocado, red onions and fresh fruit such as peach or mango. When using salsa in prepared dishes such as enchiladas, nachos or casseroles, some prefer to gently boil salsa at medium heat to remove excess moisture and bring out smoky flavors. Your delicious homemade salsa can be served up with chips as an appetizer, or as a light sauce on red meat, poultry or fish. It is perfect for a light mid-day or evening meal. Enjoy!

References

• Mexico in My Kitchen
• In Mama's Kitchen