Custom Spicy Tomato Salsa
Create your own flavorful batch of spicy tomato salsa that mimics the beloved taste of Rotel Tomatoes! This homemade version allows you to customize the heat level, ranging from mild to fiery hot, based on your personal preference. Using fresh, peeled, and chopped tomatoes paired with an array of jalapenos or chili peppers, this versatile sauce can elevate a variety of dishes—from classic Tex-Mex recipes to hearty soups and stews. Freeze in convenient 1-cup portions to ensure you always have a zesty kick on hand when you need it!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Peeled Chopped Seeded Tomatoes
1.5 quarts (About 4 lbs, peeled, chopped, and seeded)
Jalapenos or Hot Chili Peppers
12 (Diced)
Salt
1 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
In a large 4-quart saucepan, combine the peeled, chopped, and seeded tomatoes with the diced jalapenos or hot chili peppers.
2
Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the mixture.
3
Simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reduces down to about 1 quart. This should take approximately 30-45 minutes.
4
For accuracy, measure 1 quart of water into the saucepan before simmering and mark the level on the outside to monitor the reduction.
5
Once reduced, let the salsa cool slightly before transferring it to storage containers.
6
Divide the salsa into 1-cup portions and store in the freezer for optimal freshness. Remember, the heat of the peppers will intensify upon freezing, so adjust the quantity of peppers according to your taste preference.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Custom Spicy Tomato Salsa?
It is a homemade batch of spicy tomato salsa designed to mimic the taste of Rotel Tomatoes, allowing for customizable heat levels.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 main ingredients: tomatoes, jalapenos or hot chili peppers, and salt.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
You should use about 4 lbs of fresh tomatoes that have been peeled, chopped, and seeded.
How many jalapenos are needed?
The recipe calls for 12 diced jalapenos or hot chili peppers.
How much salt is added to the salsa?
One teaspoon of salt is added to the mixture.
Can I adjust the heat level of this salsa?
Yes, you can customize the heat from mild to fiery hot by choosing different types or quantities of peppers.
What size saucepan is recommended for cooking?
A large 4-quart saucepan is recommended for simmering the salsa.
How long does the salsa need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer for approximately 30-45 minutes.
How much should the salsa reduce during cooking?
The mixture should reduce down to approximately 1 quart in volume.
What is a good tip for measuring the reduction accurately?
Measure 1 quart of water into the saucepan before cooking and mark that level on the outside of the pan.
How should I prepare the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be peeled, chopped, and seeded before being added to the saucepan.
Can this salsa be frozen?
Yes, it is specifically designed to be freezer-friendly for long-term storage.
What is the recommended portion size for freezing?
It is recommended to divide the salsa into 1-cup portions before freezing.
Does the spice level change after freezing?
Yes, the heat of the peppers will intensify upon freezing, so adjust your pepper quantity accordingly.
What dishes can I use this salsa in?
It is versatile enough for Tex-Mex recipes, hearty soups, and stews.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 4 servings, which corresponds to the 4 cups (1 quart) of reduced salsa.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized under Sauces.
Can I use chili peppers other than jalapenos?
Yes, any hot chili peppers can be used depending on your personal heat preference.
Do I need to cook the salsa on high heat?
No, the salsa should be simmered over medium heat with occasional stirring.
Is this a good substitute for store-bought canned tomatoes with green chilies?
Yes, this recipe is a homemade alternative to products like Rotel Tomatoes.
Do I need to let the salsa cool before storage?
Yes, let the salsa cool slightly before transferring it to storage containers.
How many pounds of tomatoes equal 1.5 quarts?
Approximately 4 lbs of fresh tomatoes are needed to get 1.5 quarts of peeled and chopped tomatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, the ingredients (tomatoes, peppers, and salt) are entirely plant-based.
Is there any added sugar in this salsa?
No, this recipe does not include any added sugars.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
How many tags are associated with this recipe?
There are 8 tags including salsa, tomato sauce, spicy salsa, and tex-mex.
Can I use this salsa as a base for soup?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as a way to elevate hearty soups and stews.
What should I do if the salsa is too spicy after freezing?
Since heat intensifies, you can dilute it with more plain tomatoes or use a smaller portion in your dish.
Does this recipe require a blender?
No, the recipe instructions involve chopping and simmering, but not blending.
Why is it important to seed the tomatoes?
Seeding the tomatoes helps achieve the desired consistency when reducing the mixture into a sauce.