Homemade Salsa Recipe: A Guide to Crafting Authentic Mexican Salsa
Salsa is an essential part of Mexican cuisine, offering a burst of flavour with every bite. Whether you’re enjoying it with baked tacos or chicken quesadillas, salsa elevates every meal.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps of making an easy homemade salsa.
By using either canned or fresh tomatoes, you can create a fresh and authentic salsa that’s full of bold flavours. It can be customised to your taste, whether you like it mild or spicy.
If you’re looking for a salsa recipe that blends perfectly with steak fajitas or chicken enchiladas, look no further. This recipe is simple yet delivers restaurant-quality results.
Ingredients for the Perfect Homemade Salsa
Creating salsa at home allows you to use fresh ingredients to achieve that perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savoury. Here’s what you need:
- 28 oz. whole plum tomatoes (with juice if canned)
- 1 small white onion, peeled and chopped
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, diced (remove seeds for a milder salsa)
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 4-5 tablespoons fresh cilantro, stems removed
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
The Step-by-Step Salsa Recipe
Follow these simple steps to make your homemade salsa:
- Add all ingredients to a blender, food processor, or large bowl if using an immersion blender.
- Pulse the ingredients until you achieve your desired consistency. For a chunkier salsa, pulse less frequently.
- Refrigerate the salsa for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavours to blend together. For even more flavour, refrigerate it overnight.
- Transfer your salsa to a serving bowl and enjoy with tortilla chips.
Customising Your Salsa
One of the best parts of making homemade salsa is that you can customise it to your liking. If you prefer your salsa to be on the spicier side, keep the jalapeño seeds intact.
Alternatively, removing the white membrane from the jalapeño peppers will significantly reduce the heat.
Want a thicker salsa? Simply avoid over-blending or reserve some of the tomato juice. You can add it back in small amounts to adjust the consistency to your liking.
Using Fresh Tomatoes for Salsa
If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, this recipe works just as well! Simply use 28 oz. of fresh tomatoes instead of canned. Here’s how to prepare them:
- Cut the fresh tomatoes in half and place them cut-side down on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Broil for a few minutes until the skins pucker and loosen.
- Let the tomatoes cool and the skins will peel off easily.
Pro Tips for the Best Salsa
- Refrigeration Time: Allow the salsa to rest in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. Overnight refrigeration enhances the flavour even more.
- Serve with Guacamole: If you’re serving Mexican dishes, complement your salsa with guacamole or Velveeta Queso for a full spread.
- Pair with Your Favourite Dishes: This salsa pairs perfectly with beef enchiladas, chicken quesadillas, and even nacho cheese sauce.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Salsa
Storing salsa is easy, making it a great recipe for meal prepping.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
- Freezing: If you have leftovers, freeze your salsa for up to 3 months. After thawing, you may want to thicken it by adding tomato paste or simmering the salsa to evaporate excess liquid.
Freeze Like a Pro
To make the best frozen salsa, let it cool completely before storing it in the freezer. Thickening it up with tomato paste or simmering off excess liquid ensures the best texture once it’s thawed.
Tools You’ll Need
To make the process easier, having the right tools can make all the difference:
- Blender or food processor
- Immersion blender (for those who prefer making salsa in a large pot or bowl)
- Salsa serving bowls
Ideas for Serving Salsa
There are countless ways to enjoy homemade salsa. Here are some ideas:
- Serve it with chicken quesadillas, steak fajitas, or baked tacos for a true Mexican experience.
- Add it as a topping to your nacho cheese sauce or Velveeta Queso.
- Pair it with guacamole for an appetiser that’s sure to impress.
Homemade Salsa Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few variations to try:
- Roasted Salsa: Roast the tomatoes, onions, and garlic for a smokier flavour.
- Fruit Salsa: Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Green Salsa: Swap the red tomatoes for tomatillos to create a tangy green salsa.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
For those who are health-conscious, here’s the nutritional breakdown of this salsa:
- Calories: 54 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 594mg
- Vitamin C: 35mg
Conclusion
Making homemade salsa is not only easy but also allows you to control the ingredients, spice level, and consistency to match your preferences. With fresh ingredients, a blender, and just a few minutes of your time, you can create a delicious, authentic Mexican salsa that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re serving it with chicken enchiladas, steak fajitas, or simply enjoying it with tortilla chips, this salsa recipe will become your go-to for every Mexican-inspired dish. Homemade salsa also keeps well, making it a convenient addition to your fridge or freezer for when you need a quick, flavour-packed dip or topping.
So, grab your tomatoes, and let’s get blending. Once you’ve tasted this homemade salsa, you’ll never go back to store-bought! Enjoy your meal and don’t forget to share your salsa-making experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best type of tomato to use for homemade salsa?
Use whole plum tomatoes, whether fresh or canned. Fresh tomatoes add a more vibrant flavour, especially when roasted, but canned ones are more convenient.
How can I make my salsa spicier?
To make a spicier salsa, keep the white membrane and seeds from the jalapeños intact. These parts of the pepper contain the most heat.
Can I freeze homemade salsa?
Yes! Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. After thawing, you may need to thicken the salsa with tomato paste.
By following these tips, you’ll have a fresh, homemade salsa that can rank at the top of any recipe list!