Asking if I want chips and salsa is like asking my toddler if he wants an Oreo. The answer is always, “Heck, YES!” The problem is, I always want restaurant salsa. The fresh, bright dip that is packed with cilantro and has just enough heat that you need to take a sip of your margarita to cool your mouth off. This is totally impossible to find anywhere other than a giant tub at Costco. My little family of three is not going to get through that before it goes bad. So, I decided to try a few at home recipes until I found the best homemade salsa out there.
One of the most awesome parts about making your own salsa, is that you get to choose the flavor. If you want it smoky, you can add in some chipotle. Want something super bright and refreshing? Zest some extra lime. If you are like me, throw in the whole jalapeño, seeds and all to set your mouth on fire. Or add a little mango and corn to sweeten things up! I’m sharing my base recipe today. It is perfect as is, but the perfect start to any kind of dip your family might enjoy.
Bottoms up! The bottom of the chip basket, that is…
Homemade Salsa Recipe
Makes one quart of salsa. Easily doubled and freezes amazingly!
You could also use a 28 oz can of tomatoes for this recipe. They are usually a bit more acidic than fresh, and you may need to add in a teaspoon or two of sugar. Just taste and adjust!
- 2 16 oz cherry tomatoes, or two pounds of roma tomatoes
- 1 4 oz can diced green chiles
- 1/2 red onion
- jalapeño – remove the seeds and veins to reduce heat.
- big old handful of cilantro
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- zest and juice of one lime
Dump everything into a blender or food processor. Pulse a few times until you reach the desired consistency. Pop in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Lasts about five days in the fridge, but easily freezes.
This is pretty much the easiest recipe you could ever make! But it is also one of those really impressive ones. “You made your own salsa??” People will be pretty impressed, and they will never know you didn’t chop a thing.
