Tired of bland store-bought salsa? Craving a vibrant, spicy kick that'll elevate your tacos, nachos, or even a simple egg breakfast? Then look no further! This easy recipe for spicy canned salsa delivers a delicious homemade flavor in a fraction of the time it takes to chop all those vegetables. It’s a perfect example of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, easily adaptable to your spice preference. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this surprisingly simple and satisfying recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained (Rotel is a great option!)
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference – remove seeds and membranes for less heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the drained canned diced tomatoes, undrained canned green chilies, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. If using Rotel, simply add the entire can to the bowl.
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Season and Mix: Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
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Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is optional, but highly recommended!
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Serve and Enjoy: Your spicy canned salsa is ready! Serve with your favorite tortilla chips, use it as a topping for tacos, burritos, nachos, eggs, grilled chicken or fish – the possibilities are endless!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño and cayenne pepper to control the spiciness. For a milder salsa, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño. For extra heat, add a pinch of chili powder or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Fresh Ingredients: For a fresher, more vibrant salsa, feel free to substitute fresh tomatoes and chilies for the canned varieties. Just be sure to chop them finely!
- Citrus Twist: Experiment with different citrus juices. A squeeze of orange juice adds a lovely sweetness that complements the spice.
- Added Texture: Add a 1/4 cup of finely chopped red bell pepper or corn for a little extra texture and sweetness.
- Make it a Party Salsa: For a larger batch, simply multiply the ingredients accordingly. This recipe easily scales up for parties and gatherings.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 50
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 1g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This incredibly easy spicy canned salsa recipe is perfect for beginner cooks looking for delicious dishes and represents some of the best recipes out there. It’s quick, healthy, and adaptable to any palate. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from simple ingredients! Happy cooking!