Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful salsa that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further! This chipotle mild salsa recipe is perfect for your next taco night, a quick weeknight dinner, or simply as a healthy and satisfying snack. It's the perfect blend of smoky chipotle peppers, juicy tomatoes, and refreshing cilantro – a true taste of sunshine in every bite! This easy recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking adventures. Prepare to elevate your mealtimes with this incredibly satisfying and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely minced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prep the Ingredients: Start by finely mincing the chipotle peppers. Be careful when handling them, as they can be quite spicy! Remove the seeds for a milder salsa. Finely chop the red onion and cilantro.
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Combine the Salsa: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained), minced chipotle peppers, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
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Mix Well: Gently stir all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed.
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Taste and Adjust: Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more lime juice for extra tanginess, or a pinch more salt and pepper to balance the flavors.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salsa for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for developing a rich and complex taste. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
Cooking Tips for the Best Salsa:
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of chipotle peppers to control the heat. Start with one and add more gradually until you reach your desired level of spiciness.
- Freshness Matters: Using fresh cilantro makes a significant difference in the flavor of the salsa.
- Don't Overmix: Gently mix the ingredients to avoid breaking down the tomatoes and making the salsa too watery.
- Make it Ahead: This salsa tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to blend.
Variations:
- Mango Chipotle Salsa: Add 1/2 cup diced mango for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Roasted Corn Salsa: Incorporate 1/2 cup roasted corn kernels for added texture and flavor.
- Avocado Chipotle Salsa: Stir in 1/2 a ripe avocado for creaminess.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 40
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
This chipotle mild salsa recipe is a simple yet delicious addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Its vibrant flavors and ease of preparation make it a perfect choice for both beginner and experienced cooks. Enjoy!