Fresh Salsa

Zesty Homemade Salsa Recipe

"As long as there's salsa, the party's on!"

There's nothing quite like fresh salsa to elevate your Taco Tuesday or simple snack-time to a whole new level. Whether you're dipping tortilla chips, topping tacos, or adding a zesty twist to your favorite dishes, this homemade salsa recipe is sure to be a hit. Packed with bold flavors and a hint of spice, it's the perfect addition to your Mexican-themed feast.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes

• 1 14.5 oz can of whole tomatoes

• 1 jalapeño, chopped (seeds removed for a milder salsa, or keep them in for extra heat)

• 1/2 white onion, chopped

• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 2 tsp minced garlic

• 2 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp chili powder

• Sprinkle of salt, coarse black pepper, and crushed red pepper

• Juice of 1-2 limes

Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients: Start by chopping the jalapeño and onion. If you prefer a milder salsa, be sure to remove the seeds from the jalapeño. Chop the fresh cilantro as well.

2. Combine Ingredients: In a blender, combine the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and whole tomatoes.

3. Add the Vegetables: Add the chopped jalapeño, onion, and cilantro to the tomatoes. Pulse until well blended.

4. Season to Perfection: Add the minced garlic, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, coarse black pepper, and crushed red pepper to the bowl. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

5. Finish with Lime: Squeeze the juice of 1-2 limes over the mixture. The lime juice adds a fresh, tangy flavor that brightens up the salsa.

6. Chill and Serve: For best results, let the salsa chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Serve with tortilla chips, on tacos, or as a topping for any of your favorite dishes.

Fun Suggestions:

• Spice it Up: For those who like it hot, add an extra jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

• Sweet Twist: Add a diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and spicy salsa variation.

• Smoky Flavor: Substitute the fire-roasted tomatoes with smoked tomatoes if you can find them for an even smokier flavor.

Making your own salsa is a fun and rewarding way to bring fresh, vibrant flavors to your table. This recipe is easy to customize and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. So, gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and get ready to make your next Taco Tuesday unforgettable!

Taco Tuesday Jokes:

• Why did the taco apply for a job? Because it wanted to get a little "shell-tered"!

• What do you call a tortilla chip that works out? A macho nacho!

• Why don’t tacos ever get lost? Because they always find the way to your stomach!

Enjoy, and happy cooking!