Are you tired of the same old salsa recipes? Ready to try something a little different, something vibrant and unexpectedly delicious? Then get ready to fall in love with green tomato salsa! This easy recipe transforms underripe or late-season tomatoes into a zesty, refreshing condiment perfect for everything from tacos to chips. It's a fantastic way to use up those green tomatoes that often get overlooked, proving that delicious and healthy meals can be quick and easy to make. This homemade salsa is far superior to anything you'll find in the store, and it's surprisingly simple to make. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds green tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prep the Vegetables: Begin by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Dice the green tomatoes into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Finely chop the red onion to prevent overpowering bitterness. Carefully remove the seeds from the jalapeño to control the heat level – leave some seeds in for extra spice! Chop the cilantro and set everything aside.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the chopped green tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
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Dress the Salsa: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the vegetable mixture.
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Mix and Marinate: Gently toss everything together to coat the vegetables evenly with the dressing. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it sits, the more delicious it becomes!
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Serve and Enjoy: Your vibrant green tomato salsa is ready! Serve it with tortilla chips, use it as a topping for tacos, grilled fish, or eggs, or add it to your favorite burrito bowl for an extra kick.
Cooking Tips for the Best Green Tomato Salsa:
- Choose your tomatoes wisely: Slightly underripe green tomatoes work best for this recipe. Avoid tomatoes that are hard or overly firm.
- Adjust the spice: Control the heat level by adjusting the amount of jalapeño pepper. Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder salsa. For those who like it extra hot, add a serrano pepper!
- Don't over-process: Gently toss the ingredients together. Avoid mashing the tomatoes, as you want to retain some texture.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with other ingredients. Adding a diced mango or pineapple can create a sweet and spicy twist.
Variations:
- Spicy Green Tomato Salsa: Add a diced serrano pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Roasted Green Tomato Salsa: Roast the green tomatoes before chopping them for a smoky flavor.
- Corn and Green Tomato Salsa: Add 1 cup of grilled or roasted corn kernels for added sweetness and texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 80-100
- Fat: 5-7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10-12 grams
- Protein: 1-2 grams
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This green tomato salsa is a simple, delicious, and healthy addition to any meal. It’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste and explore new flavors. Enjoy!