How To Make Salsa

Salsa is a popular dip that can be found in many cuisines around the world. Whether you're using it to top tacos, nachos, or as a simple dip with some tortilla chips, there's no denying the versatility of this salty, spicy condiment. While it's easy to buy salsa at the shop, making it at home allows you to control the ingredients, customise the flavour to your liking, and create a fresher, more vibrant dip. This salsa recipe is a good place to start. You can make your salsa rojo, verde, or any colour you want. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious salsa at home:

The key to making great salsa is choosing the freshest and ripest ingredients available. Here's what you'll need:

Tomatoes: Look for ripe and flavourful tomatoes, such as plum or beefsteak. Avoid overripe or bruised tomatoes as they can make the salsa too watery.

Peppers: Use fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers if you want a spicy kick. If you prefer a milder salsa, you can use bell peppers or some sweeter Romano peppers instead.

Onions: Red onions or sweet onions work best in salsa. Avoid using white onions as they can be a little too pungent.

Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for the best flavour.

Coriander: Fresh coriander adds a bright and herbaceous flavour to the salsa. If you’re one of those people who think coriander tastes like soap, feel free to leave it out. That’s, like, totally understandable.

Before making the salsa, it's important to prepare the ingredients properly. Here's how:

Tomatoes: Core the tomatoes and cut them in half. Remove the seeds and pulp, and chop the flesh into small pieces.

Peppers: Remove the stems, seeds, and membranes from the peppers. If desired, you can roast the peppers in the oven or over an open flame to add a smoky flavour. You can even grill your tomatoes like we did in our recipe for Steak Tacos with Burnt Tomato Salsa.

Onions: Peel and chop the onion into small pieces.

Garlic: Peel and mince the garlic cloves.

Coriander: Remove the leaves from the stems and chop them finely.

Now that the ingredients are prepared, it's time to make the salsa. Here's how:

Combine the ingredients in a bowl: Add the chopped tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and coriander to a bowl.

Season the salsa: Add salt, pepper, and a healthy squeeze of lime juice to the bowl. Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Mix the salsa: Use a spoon or spatula to gently mix the ingredients together. Be careful not to overmix as this can make the salsa too watery.

Adjust the texture: Depending on your preference, you can leave the salsa chunky or blend it in a food processor for a smoother texture. Each has their own merits, so just go with the flow.

Once the salsa is made, it's important to store it properly to keep it fresh. Here's how:

Store the salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 5 days.

Serve the salsa with tortilla chips, on tacos, or as a dip for vegetables or grilled meats.

Making delicious salsa at home is easy and fun, and allows you to create a dip that is perfectly tailored to your tastes. By using fresh ingredients and following these simple steps, you can make a salsa that is vibrant, flavourful, and suitable for just about any occasion. Aside from the Annual Salsa Haters Conference, that is. So, why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you.