Tomato salsa is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used as a dip, topping, or condiment. It's easy to make at home, and you can customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. In this guide, I'll walk you through how to make tomato salsa at home in easy steps.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Start by washing and drying the tomatoes. Cut off the tops of the tomatoes and remove the seeds, then dice the flesh into small pieces. You can use any type of tomato you like, but Roma tomatoes work well for salsa as they're firm and meaty.
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Finely chop the onion and add it to the diced tomatoes.
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Remove the stem and seeds from the jalapeño pepper, then finely mince it. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling the pepper to avoid any irritation. If you prefer a milder salsa, you can omit the jalapeño or reduce the amount used.
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Mince the garlic clove and add it to the bowl with the other ingredients.
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Chop the fresh cilantro and add it to the bowl.
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Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture, then sprinkle the ground cumin on top. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Use a spoon or a fork to mix all the ingredients together until well combined. You can also use a food processor to blend the ingredients for a smoother salsa.
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Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more lime juice, salt, or pepper to suit your taste.
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Cover the salsa and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also make the salsa a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve it.
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Serve the tomato salsa with tortilla chips, as a topping for tacos or burritos, or as a condiment for grilled meats.
Tips:
- If you like your salsa spicy, you can leave the seeds and membranes in the jalapeño pepper, or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture.
- For a chunkier salsa, leave the ingredients slightly larger. For a smoother salsa, process the ingredients in a food processor until you reach the desired consistency.
- You can add other ingredients to the salsa, such as corn, black beans, or diced avocado, to give it more flavor and texture.
In conclusion, making tomato salsa at home is quick and easy. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of ways. So, grab some fresh tomatoes, chop up some onion and cilantro, and get ready to enjoy some homemade tomato salsa!
