Expert: Suzette - 9/21/2002

Question
My favorite snack is chips and salsa. I usually buy the salsa from the store, but I would really love to get a good recipe on it. That way, I could make it myself and save some money. Do you know of a good recipe? Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi Amy!

Here's a nice and easy recipe for salsa:

6 to 12 peppers depending on size and fire factor
1/2 medium white onion
1 average size bunch of cilantro (coriander)
1 14 oz. can of tomatoes, whole or diced
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. white pepper

The type and number of peppers used determine the fire factor the salsa.  Another major factor in the heat component is the seeds.  Remove seeds from peppers unless you like really hot salsa.  Serrano, tabasco or habanera peppers may be used in lieu of or in addition to jalapenos.  Cut the tail from the pepper, then scrape the seeds and veins out with a paring knife.

Cut a medium sized onion into halves.  Remove flaky skin and first thin layer.  Separate the rings in preparation for the food processor.  Yellow or white onions may be used.  The yellow variety will provide a slight sweetness to the dish.  Scallions can also add an interesting twist.  

In a food processor, blender, or hand held dicer, chop the onion and peppers. Add tomatoes (use canned diced tomatoes if preparing by hand) and blend with onion / pepper mixture.  Ideally, the end result will be a coarsely ground mixture of the ingredients included thus far.

Remove the stems from the cilantro.  Add the remainder of the bunch to the blender or processor.  You will need to chop the cilantro with a sharp knife if you are preparing by hand and stir it into the salsa mixture.  
 
A little lime juice adds a unique zest to this salsa.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  

Hope this helps!

Suzette