Are you ready to elevate your taco nights or simply add a burst of fresh flavor to your everyday meals? Then look no further! This vibrant salsa recipe with green chilies is the perfect homemade solution. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious – the kind of easy recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen. Forget store-bought salsa; this homemade version is bursting with fresh ingredients and customizable to your spice preference. It's the perfect addition to any healthy meal and a great quick dinner idea. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 cup green chilies, stemmed and seeded (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 medium white onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- Optional: 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (for extra heat)
Instructions:
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Prep the ingredients: Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Roughly chop the tomatoes, finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and stem and seed the green chilies (remove more seeds for less heat). If using, also prep the jalapeño.
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Combine everything: Add all the prepared ingredients – tomatoes, green chilies, onion, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper – to a large bowl. If you're adding jalapeño, now's the time.
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Mix it up: Gently toss everything together until well combined. Try not to overmix, as you want to retain some texture in the salsa.
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Taste and adjust: Taste your salsa and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more lime juice for acidity, salt for saltiness, or chilies for heat.
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Chill and serve: For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, or as a topping for your favorite dishes.
Tips for the Best Salsa:
- Tomato selection: Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best taste. Roma tomatoes or a mix of different varieties work well.
- Spice level: Adjust the amount of green chilies and jalapeño to your liking. Start with less and add more if you prefer a spicier salsa.
- Freshness is key: This recipe is best made with fresh ingredients. Avoid using pre-chopped vegetables as they tend to lose their flavor and texture.
- Make it ahead: This salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen over time.
Variations:
- Roasted Salsa: For a smoky flavor, roast the tomatoes and chilies before making the salsa.
- Mango Salsa: Add diced mango for a sweet and savory twist.
- Corn Salsa: Incorporate some fire-roasted corn kernels for added texture and sweetness.
- Avocado Salsa: Add diced avocado for a creamy and rich salsa.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a serving size of approximately 1/2 cup and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: 50-70
- Fat: 2-4g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This delicious salsa recipe is a great addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and impressing guests alike. Enjoy!