Ingredients and Weight:
- Garden Tomatoes: 500 grams
- Fresh Cilantro: 50 grams (or more depending on preference)
- Red Onion: 1 small, about 150 grams
- Fresh Lime Juice: 3 tablespoons
- Jalapeño Peppers: 2, seeded for mild heat (optional)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (adjust according to taste)
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: a few cracks
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon (optional, to balance acidity)
Preparation Time: 20 minutes (excluding preparation of other dishes if needed)
Cooking Time: None (this is a raw salsa, no cooking required)
Difficulty Level: Level 2 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Thoroughly wash and dry the garden tomatoes, cilantro, and red onion.
- Cut the tomatoes into small pieces, removing any large seeds if desired.
- Slice the red onion thinly and add to the tomatoes.
- Roughly chop the cilaantro and add it to the mixture along with the lime juice.
- If using jalapeño peppers, seed and dice them, then add to the salsa.
- Add salt, pepper, and sugar to taste and mix well. Taste test and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve immediately or let sit for 30 minutes to an hour for the flavors to blend.
Nutritional Information: (per serving assuming 8 servings total)
Calories: Approximately 60-80 calories per serving (depending on added sugar and portion size)
Carbohydrates: 8-12g
Fat: <1g
Protein: 2-3g
Fiber: 2-4g
Dish Characteristics:
- Fresh and vibrant flavor due to the lime juice and garden tomatoes.
- Spicy and herby with the addition of cilaantoro and jalapeño peppers.
- An excellent partner for grilled meats or seafood dishes.
- Versatile - can be used as a dipping sauce, a topping for tacos or tostadas, or as a spread for sandwiches.
User Comments:
- "Love the fresh flavor of this salsa! It's perfect with my grilled chicken." - John Doe
- "The addition of cilaantoro gives this salsa a unique flavor that I really enjoy." - Jane Smith
- "This salsa is perfect for my summer barbecue! It's so easy to make and goes great with everything." - Michael Johnson
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to thoroughly wash all produce before use to remove any impurities or pesticides.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste – this is a personal preference so experiment to find your perfect balance of flavors.
- If you want a smoother salsa, you can pulse all ingredients in a blender or food processor for a few seconds before mixing.
