Are you ready to elevate your taco Tuesday or spice up your next weekend gathering? Then look no further! This vibrant salsa recipe with serrano peppers is the perfect blend of heat, freshness, and flavor. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less time. Perfect for those busy weeknights craving a healthy and delicious meal, or for impressing guests with your homemade cooking skills. Get ready to experience a salsa that's bursting with authentic Mexican zest!
Ingredients:
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 serrano peppers, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prep the Ingredients: Begin by dicing the tomatoes and finely chopping the red onion. Carefully remove the seeds from the serrano peppers – the seeds contain most of the heat, so adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance. Finely mince the peppers. Chop the cilantro. This step ensures even cooking and a consistent texture in your final salsa.
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Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, minced serrano peppers, and chopped cilantro.
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Add the Flavor: Pour in the lime juice, then add the ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring all the ingredients are well coated.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This chilling period enhances the overall taste profile, creating a more complex and delicious salsa. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips, tacos, or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
Cooking Tips for the Best Salsa:
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of serrano peppers to control the heat. For a milder salsa, use only one pepper, or remove the membranes as well as the seeds. For extra heat, add more!
- Tomato Selection: Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best taste. Roma tomatoes work particularly well, offering a nice firmness.
- Freshness is Key: Using fresh ingredients makes all the difference. This recipe highlights the natural flavors of each component.
- Make it Ahead: This salsa tastes even better after it's had time to sit in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to blend and develop.
Variations:
- Mango Salsa: Add 1 cup of diced mango for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Avocado Salsa: Incorporate 1 ripe avocado, mashed, for a creamier texture.
- Corn Salsa: Add 1 cup of cooked corn kernels for added sweetness and texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 40-50
- Carbohydrates: 8-10g
- Protein: 1-2g
- Fat: 1-2g
This recipe is a quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights. It provides a healthy and delicious meal option, showcasing the best of homemade cooking. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the satisfying spice of this easy salsa recipe! It's sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.