Anita's Spicy Tomato Salsa
Experience the vibrant flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine with Anita's Spicy Tomato Salsa. After years of enjoying delicious dishes from Mexico, I created this fresh salsa recipe to capture the essence of true Mexican flavors, steering clear of the overly sweet jarred options. Quick to prepare and bursting with fresh ingredients, this salsa is perfect for chips, tacos, or as a zesty topping for your favorite dishes. Enjoy the boldness of ripe tomatoes, the kick of jalapeños, and the aromatic touch of cilantro in every bite. It's not just salsa; it's a celebration of flavors!
3
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ripe tomatoes
3-4 (Seeded and squeezed)
Garlic
2-3 cloves (Fresh and crushed)
Medium sweet onion
1 (Chopped)
Cilantro
1/2 cup (Chopped, to taste)
Jalapeno
1 (Chopped, to taste)
Tomatillo
1 (Chopped (if available))
Ground cumin
3-5 dashes (To taste)
Cajun seasoning
3-5 dashes (To taste)
Hot sauce
3-5 dashes (To taste)
Fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
Start by chopping the onion in a food processor until finely minced.
2
Add the seeded and squeezed tomatoes, and pulse gently until combined but still chunky.
3
Next, add the crushed garlic, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño, and tomatillo. Pulse lightly to mix.
4
Sprinkle in the ground cumin, Cajun seasoning, and hot sauce according to your spice preference.
5
Add the fresh lime juice for that essential zing.
6
Take care not to over-process; you want a fresh texture, not a puree.
7
If necessary, drain the salsa to remove excess liquid for a thicker consistency.
8
Serve immediately with tortilla chips or as a flavorful condiment on your favorite dishes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Anita's Spicy Tomato Salsa?
Anita's Spicy Tomato Salsa is a fresh, authentic Mexican-style salsa featuring ripe tomatoes, jalapeños, cilantro, and various seasonings, designed to avoid the sweetness of jarred salsas.
Is this salsa recipe vegan?
Yes, Anita's Spicy Tomato Salsa is naturally vegan as it contains only fresh vegetables, herbs, and plant-based seasonings.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 3 servings.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include ripe tomatoes, garlic, sweet onion, cilantro, jalapeño, tomatillo, ground cumin, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, and fresh lime juice.
How should I prepare the tomatoes for the salsa?
The tomatoes should be seeded and squeezed to remove excess liquid before being pulsed in the food processor.
Can I use a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is recommended for finely mincing the onion and pulsing the other ingredients to achieve the desired consistency.
How do I prevent the salsa from becoming a puree?
To maintain a fresh texture, pulse the food processor gently and take care not to over-process the ingredients.
Is there a specific type of onion recommended?
The recipe calls for one medium sweet onion, which provides a mild flavor compared to red or white onions.
What should I do if my salsa is too watery?
If the salsa has too much liquid, you can drain it to remove the excess moisture for a thicker consistency.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 2 to 3 cloves of fresh, crushed garlic.
Is the tomatillo a mandatory ingredient?
The tomatillo is recommended if available, as it adds a traditional Mexican touch, but the salsa can be made without it.
How spicy is this salsa?
The spice level is adjustable. It uses one jalapeño and several dashes of hot sauce, but you can tailor the amounts to your personal preference.
What kind of seasonings are used for the kick?
Ground cumin, Cajun seasoning, and hot sauce are used to provide the signature spicy and aromatic profile.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
For the best 'zing,' the recipe recommends using one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice.
What can I serve with this salsa?
It is perfect with tortilla chips, on tacos, or as a zesty topping for various Mexican dishes.
Does this salsa contain added sugar?
No, this recipe avoids the sweetness of jarred salsas and contains no added sugars.
How much cilantro should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro, though you can adjust this 'to taste'.
What is the first step in making the salsa?
The first step is to finely mince the sweet onion in a food processor.
Is this a cooked salsa or a raw salsa?
This is a fresh, raw salsa (salsa fresca) that does not require cooking.
How much hot sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests starting with 3 to 5 dashes of hot sauce, depending on your spice preference.
What category of food does this fall into?
It is categorized under 'Sauces' and also serves as an 'Appetizer' or 'Condiment'.
How many tomatoes are required?
You will need 3 to 4 ripe tomatoes.
What is the purpose of the cumin in this recipe?
Ground cumin provides an earthy, aromatic touch that is essential for authentic Mexican flavor.
Can I adjust the amount of jalapeño?
Yes, the jalapeño is added 'to taste,' so you can use more or less depending on your heat tolerance.
Should the garlic be fresh or powdered?
Fresh, crushed garlic is specified for this recipe to ensure a bold flavor.
How long does it take to make?
While specific minutes aren't listed, the recipe is described as 'quick to prepare' using a food processor.
Is Cajun seasoning common in salsa?
While not traditional in all salsas, Anita uses 3 to 5 dashes of Cajun seasoning to add a unique depth of flavor.
Can I serve this immediately?
Yes, the instructions suggest serving immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.
What makes this salsa 'authentic'?
It focuses on fresh ingredients like tomatillos, lime, and cilantro, avoiding the preservatives and sugars found in mass-produced options.
What size should the onion be?
The recipe calls for one medium sweet onion.