Recipes From Your Garden: Salsa

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

19 Jul 2008 09:01 AM

Some of you already know that we are moving next month. We are going from a large metropolitan area (read that to mean "inner city") where we live in an apartment with no yard, to a tiny house with what seems to us to be a huge yard. (I suppose 'huge' is defined by your scale of reference. . .our yard is about three tenths of an acre but to folks who haven't ever had a yard. . .it seems to go on infinitely.)

In any case, for the first time in my adult life I am contemplating a garden. I know nothing about gardening. . .and by nothing I mean nothing. The folks over in the home blog have forgotten more about gardening than I've ever known. But my kids love to garden (thank you New York Botanical Gardens) and we have the space so I figure how hard is it to learn?

I'm told to attempt planting tomatoes first. . .and so in true foodie fashion what do I do? I find recipes in which to use the produce that I will at some point grow. (Yes, you can laugh with me now.)

Homemade Salsa

I only eat homemade salsa--I learned to cook Mexican in Mexico and salsa from a jar tastes noticeably. . .jarred to me. I change my recipe up every time based on my whim of the day, but here is a basic recipe that I use:

Four large tomatoes

1 small Spanish onion

1 cup of chopped peppers (I prefer to mix colors when possible--but it's not always possible.)

1/8 to 1/4 cup of freshly chopped cilantro (This is another soon to be guest in my herb garden that isn't yet.)

Some Options

One reason I really like homemade salsa is because it is versatile. I mentioned that I don't make it the same way twice. I consider the above ingredients to be essential, but depending on who is eating the salsa I may also add the following to taste:

*spicy peppers like jalapeno or chipotle, finely chopped

*cumin, salt, & pepper

*Fajita seasoning

*a little lime juice

The trick to making the best salsa in the world is to taste it as you go!

Related Articles:

The Best Nachos Ever

Mexican in the Crock Pot

Chimichangas

Crab Quesadillas

Doritos for Dinner

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Valorie Delp shares recipes and kitchen tips in the food blog, and also writes about politics and the occassional movie review. To read more articles by Valorie Delp, click here.

Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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