Authentic Mexican Salsa

Salsa is a favorite in my household not just because it makes a terrific and healthy snack, but also because it is easy and inexpensive to make.  The number of variations of salsa recipes is probably as high as the number of tomato varieties worldwide (about 7,500).  The recipe I am going to share with you is authentically delicious.  I learned it from a friend that is originally from Mexico – so you know it has got to be good!

This salsa recipe has very simple ingredients:

• Tomatoes – which contain lycopene – one of the most powerful antioxidants there is

• Jalapenos – an excellent source of vitamin C

• Cilantro – rich in minerals like potassium and iron

This recipe makes a perfectly sized batch – not too big, not too small.  You can use it for a chips and salsa snack, as well as put the salsa on your meals when applicable.

Ingredients you will need:

- 5 Roma tomatoes (no other tomato makes a good salsa like a Roma)
- 5 Jalapenos (less if you want it less spicy)
- 1 Cilantro
- Garlic Powder to taste
- Salt to taste

Take the tomatoes and jalapenos (with the stems torn off) and place them in a large saucepan.  I use a 3-quart (2.8 liter) saucepan.  Cover the tomatoes and jalapenos with water.  There needs to be enough water so that the tomatoes and jalapenos can boil.  In my case, I filled up the saucepan 3/4 of the way with water.  Add a dash of salt to the water.

Cook over medium high heat and bring to a boil.  Boil until the tomato skin starts peeling off and the jalapenos change color – from a bright green to a pale green (about 10 minutes).

Use a pasta server to get the tomatoes and jalapenos out of the saucepan so that the water can drain as you take them out.  Place them in the blender.

Add a splash of garlic to taste and about a cup of cilantro (with the stem still attached).

Blend the tomatoes, jalapenos, and cilantro at high speed until the ingredients are liquefied.  The blending is important.  If you blend continuously for too long, you can ruin the salsa.  To help avoid that, it is a good idea to blend in spurts.  Blend for a few seconds and stop.  Repeat until the salsa is at the consistency that you want.

Add more cilantro (about 3/4 cup).  If you want your salsa thick, you do not need to add any more water.  I add just a small amount more (about 1/8 cup) to help the cilantro I just added blend a little easier.  If you are adding more water, use the water from the saucepan you boiled the tomatoes and jalapenos in.  Blend again until liquefied.

Now pour the salsa into a food storage container that has a lid, as you will be storing it for later use.  You can store remaining salsa in the refrigerator or even freeze some of it.

The final ingredient you add is salt to taste.  I use my hand to measure how much salt I use – just enough to make a small mound about the width of my middle finger and ring finger.  Stir the salt in there.

Listo!  Your salsa is delicious and ready to eat!  It is freshly  made, so it is hot and spicy – giving you a real taste of Mexico.

The chips that you eat with it are entirely up to you.  My favorite brand is Santitas because they just taste the most authentic to me.  I’ve tried several different Mexican-style chips – as well as looked at the nutrition information of each of them – and they all have almost the exact same number of calories and fat grams per serving (unless you go with baked chips).  So pick whichever chips suite your taste!

As for ideas on what to put salsa on other than chips, this is your opportunity to get creative.  I have put salsa on eggs, inside beef or chicken burritos, on top of tacos, on top of enchiladas, inside casseroles, on potatoes, etc.  You can put salsa in so much that you eat.   I even know of a lady that puts salsa in her cottage cheese.  Gross?  Depends on who you ask.

Recommended Reading:

How to Order a Diet Friendly Coffee Drink – Learn ways to make your coffee healthier so that you don’t sabotage your diet with your must-have drink

Balance Bars – Who says cookie dough can’t be healthy and full of protein?  A delicious protein bar has come to the rescue.

Smart Pop! Popcorn – can popcorn be 94% fat free and still taste delicious?  Read my family’s review of this popular snack.