The 2020 pandemic keeps us in the house more often, unable to visit that favorite Mexican restaurant. So, a fun dinner could include your own homemade chips and salsa. You can make your own salsa by starting with a standard list of ingredients and touching it up to match your own preferences.
Here are some of the tastiest ingredients that can have you on your way to making your own salsa in only about 15 minutes. It takes a little time from there to sit and let all the flavors combine, but it’s definitely another family activity that can be done to make your meals together. Maybe it’s a great Mexican dinner night where everyone plays a role in the kitchen!
Ingredients:
- Fresh Roma tomatoes
- Canned tomatoes
- Fresh cilantro
- Jalapeno
- Red onion
- Green onion
- Garlic
- Lime
- Chili powder and cumin
- Sugar (a pinch)
- Salt and pepper
You can adjust the ingredients to your taste for mild to hot, starting with fresh ingredients and seasoning to taste. Fresh tomatoes are one of the most important, and if sugar is surprising make sure that just a pinch cancels the tartness of canned tomatoes and lime. Taste before adding sugar, and if you don’t think it’s needed then don’t worry about it.
Also consider the peppers you choose and how you put them in. You can use the jalapenos listed here or something more mild. You can leave the seeds and membranes in your peppers and include more of them if you like hot salsa. See some of the hints available in the list!
Throw ingredients into a blender or food processor at the pulse level. Pulse everything until chopped, and then season with salt, pepper and lime. Let it sit for 30 minutes or more to allow the flavors to combine. As the salsa sits, it gets more and more flavorful. You are good to go!
With fresh ingredients it tastes better than if it came from a jar or can. It has a classic Mexican flavor with the cilantro and hint of chili powder and cumin. It also lasts a week in the fridge, still getting tastier all the time!
