So I am sure you know by now, I did not come up with this recipe. Nope. Norma over at Lyra & Jane did, and she’s been saving me one recipe at a time for quite a while. Her recipes are always really fresh and flavorful — my favorite!
Now, I know it looks like a lot more work than unscrewing the top of that salsa in a jar but let me just say, it. is. worth. it. And it’s actually really easy. It just all goes in a food processor and VIOLA!
Disclaimer: my husband will no longer eat jarred salsa, or salsa in the premade section at the grocery store. So if you’re not ready to have to make fresh salsa just about every week, maybe don’t try this one, ha. We put it on just about everything, and it keeps for about a week. I think it’s more flavorful a day or two after I make it.
This is a great, easy recipe to take to the beach, to a tailgating party, as an appetizer for dinner with friends, you name it — it fits the bill. So without further adieu, Norma’s delicious salsa recipe is below.
Ingredients {makes ~4 1/2 cups}
- 5 tomatoes, cut into chunks
- 1/2 red onion, cut into chunks
- 3 garlic cloves (get the real deal, people. No squeeze garlic.)
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- juice of 1/4 lime or lemon {whatever you prefer– I have tried it both ways and I like lime. Also, it depends on how big your lime is– I’ve used 1/4 of a large lime or a whole small lime}
- 1/3 cup diced bell peppers {I used a mix of colors}
- 1/2 bundle of cilantro, stems included (Feel free to adjust depending on how much you like cilantro — I typically start with 1/4 a bundle and increase as needed)
- 1 jalapeño, cut in half and remove seeds (leave the seeds in for an extra kick)
- optional: 1 tbsp tomato paste {I ended up adding this at the end because the tomatoes I used did not have a strong tomato flavor, so if you have flavorful tomatoes, you probably won’t need this}
Directions
1. Throw all ingredients in a food processor. Mix for about 30 seconds or until ingredients are finely chopped and blended. Season with salt & pepper to taste and add tomato paste if needed. Quickly blend to mix.
*Taste after blending and feel free to add more of something depending on your taste preferences! Also, I scoop the seeds and insides out of the tomato so it’s less runny. That’s just a personal preference.