Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly delicious dish that's ready in minutes? Then look no further! This spicy red Mexican salsa recipe is your answer. It’s a perfect quick dinner idea, a fantastic homemade cooking project, and an undeniably delicious addition to any meal. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this easy recipe will have you whipping up a batch of this flavorful salsa in a flash. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ripe Roma tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 large white onion, roughly chopped
- 4-6 serrano peppers, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped red onion for extra bite
Instructions:
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Prep the Ingredients: Begin by washing and chopping all your vegetables. For easier blending, you can roughly chop the tomatoes and onions – the final texture will be smooth anyway. Remove the seeds from the serrano peppers to control the heat level; the more seeds, the spicier the salsa!
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Combine and Blend: Add all the ingredients – tomatoes, onions, serrano peppers, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper – to a high-powered blender. If you prefer a chunkier salsa, pulse a few times instead of blending continuously.
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Adjust Consistency: Blend until you reach your desired consistency. For a smoother salsa, blend until completely smooth. For a slightly chunky salsa, pulse until most ingredients are blended but some small pieces remain. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more lime juice, salt, pepper, or cumin to your preference.
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Chill and Serve: Transfer the salsa to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step enhances the overall taste, allowing the ingredients to marry beautifully. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, grilled fish, or as a topping for eggs.
Tips for the Best Salsa:
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Tomato Selection: Use ripe, flavorful Roma tomatoes for the best taste. The sweetness of the tomatoes will balance the spice perfectly.
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Spice Level: Adjust the amount of serrano peppers to your liking. Start with fewer peppers and add more if you prefer a hotter salsa. You can also substitute jalapeños for a milder heat.
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Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh cilantro and lime juice is key to achieving the best flavor.
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Make it Ahead: This salsa tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Variations:
- Mango Salsa: Add 1 cup of diced mango for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Roasted Salsa: Roast the tomatoes and onions before blending for a smoky flavor.
- Corn Salsa: Add 1 cup of cooked corn kernels for added texture and sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 40-50
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-12g
- Protein: Approximately 2g
- Fat: Approximately 1g
This spicy red Mexican salsa is a perfect example of how easy and delicious healthy meals can be. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and a surefire way to elevate your everyday dishes. Enjoy!