Homer's Heirloom Pico de Gallo
Homer's Heirloom Pico de Gallo is a cherished family recipe passed down through generations, capturing the vibrant flavors and essence of traditional Mexican cuisine. Unlike many modern variations cluttered with overpowering spices, this authentic recipe highlights the fresh, bright tastes of ripe roma tomatoes and garden-fresh ingredients. Ideal as a refreshing dip for crispy tortilla chips or as a flavorful layer in bean dips, this Pico de Gallo is also the perfect complement to your homemade guacamole - simply mash ripe avocados and blend in a bit of this zesty mixture along with extra lime juice and salt. With its simple yet bold flavors, this dish will elevate any meal or gathering. Feel free to adjust the salt to suit your taste, as the recipe's integrity shines through its minimalist approach to seasoning.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Roma tomatoes
2 lbs (chopped medium)
White onion
1 medium (chopped medium fine)
Jalapeño pepper
1 (seeded and chopped fine)
Serrano peppers
2 (chopped fine)
Fresh cilantro
1 bunch (top 1/3 chopped coarsely)
Limes
2 (juiced)
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon (coarse grind)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped roma tomatoes, medium-fine chopped white onion, and finely chopped jalapeño and serrano peppers. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2
Chop the top third of the fresh cilantro coarsely and add it to the tomato mixture. Gently fold the cilantro in to incorporate its herby aroma and flavor.
3
In a small mound at the center of the mixture, place the kosher salt. Squeeze the juice from the two limes directly onto the salt, allowing it to dissolve and enhance the dish's flavor.
4
Toss all the ingredients together until everything is well combined, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
5
Serve immediately for a fresh taste, or cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator overnight for a more robust flavor profile.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homer's Heirloom Pico de Gallo?
It is a cherished family recipe passed down through generations that captures the authentic flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine using fresh, bright ingredients.
What are the primary ingredients in this Pico de Gallo?
The recipe uses 2 lbs of Roma tomatoes, one medium white onion, one jalapeño, two serrano peppers, a bunch of fresh cilantro, two limes, and kosher salt.
How should the Roma tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be chopped into medium-sized pieces to maintain a good texture for the dip.
What kind of onion is recommended for this recipe?
A medium white onion is used, chopped to a medium-fine consistency.
Which peppers are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for one finely chopped and seeded jalapeño pepper and two finely chopped serrano peppers.
How is the cilantro prepared for the salsa?
You should use the top third of a bunch of fresh cilantro and chop it coarsely before folding it into the mixture.
What is the specific method for adding salt and lime?
Place the kosher salt in a small mound at the center of the mixed vegetables, then squeeze the juice from two limes directly onto the salt to dissolve it before tossing.
Should the Pico de Gallo be served immediately?
You can serve it immediately for a fresh taste, or cover and chill it in the refrigerator overnight for a more robust flavor profile.
Can I use this Pico de Gallo to make guacamole?
Yes, simply mash ripe avocados and blend in a portion of this Pico de Gallo along with extra lime juice and salt.
Is Homer's Heirloom Pico de Gallo vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it consists entirely of plant-based ingredients.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used in this fresh salsa are gluten-free.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one tablespoon of coarse grind kosher salt, though you can adjust this to suit your personal taste.
What makes this version different from modern Pico de Gallo?
Unlike modern variations that may use overpowering spices, this heirloom recipe focuses on a minimalist approach to highlight the natural flavor of the vegetables.
Can I use this as a topping for other dishes?
Absolutely, it is perfect as a refreshing dip for chips or as a flavorful layer in bean dips.
How many serrano peppers are needed?
The recipe calls for two serrano peppers, chopped fine.
Is the jalapeño pepper seeded?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the jalapeño should be seeded and chopped fine.
What kind of salt is best for this recipe?
Kosher salt with a coarse grind is recommended for the best flavor enhancement.
How many Roma tomatoes are required?
You will need 2 pounds of Roma tomatoes for this specific recipe.
What is the preparation time like?
While not specified in minutes, it is described as an easy recipe involving simple chopping and mixing of fresh ingredients.
Does the recipe contain any sugar or fat?
Based on the fresh ingredients, this recipe contains no added sugars or fats.
Can I use yellow onion instead of white?
The recipe specifically calls for white onion to maintain its authentic flavor profile, but yellow onion could be used as a substitute if necessary.
Should I peel the tomatoes first?
No, the tomatoes should be chopped with their skins on to provide the classic texture of Pico de Gallo.
How long does it stay fresh in the fridge?
It is best consumed within 1-2 days, as the salt will eventually draw out moisture from the tomatoes, making it watery.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is highly recommended to achieve the bright and zesty flavor intended by this heirloom recipe.
Is this a healthy snack option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy snack because it is made of fresh vegetables and contains no processed ingredients.
What category does this dish fall under?
It falls under Mexican cuisine, specifically as a salsa, fresh dip, or tomato salad.
Why is it called 'Heirloom'?
It is referred to as an heirloom recipe because it is a cherished formula passed down through Homer's family generations.
How many servings does this make?
While the exact serving count isn't listed, 2 lbs of tomatoes typically yields enough for a medium-to-large party gathering.
Is it spicy?
The use of one jalapeño and two serrano peppers provides a moderate to high kick, though seeding the jalapeño helps manage the heat.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
The heirloom recipe doesn't include garlic to keep the flavor profile minimalist and fresh, but you can add it if you prefer.