Creating the best homemade salsa involves balancing freshness, spice, and flavor. Here’s a recipe for a delicious, classic homemade salsa:
Best Homemade Salsa Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped (optional for added crunch and sweetness)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Dice the tomatoes and place them in a large bowl.
- Finely chop the red onion, jalapeño peppers, and bell pepper (if using).
- Mince the garlic and chop the cilantro.
- Mix the Salsa:
- Combine the tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño peppers, garlic, cilantro, and bell pepper in the bowl.
- Add the lime juice, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
- If you prefer a slightly sweeter salsa, add the sugar.
- Adjust to Taste:
- Mix everything well and taste. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.
- Chill and Serve:
- For the best flavor, let the salsa sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or grilled meats.
Tips:
- Roasted Option: For a smokier flavor, roast the tomatoes, jalapeños, and garlic under the broiler until slightly charred before dicing.
- Texture Preference: For a smoother salsa, pulse the ingredients in a food processor until desired consistency is reached.
- Freshness: Use the freshest ingredients possible for the best taste. Fresh lime juice and ripe tomatoes make a big difference.
