Description
This best salsa recipe combines fresh and canned tomatoes with jalapenos, garlic, and cilantro to create a flavorful and perfectly balanced salsa. Quick to prepare using a food processor, this versatile salsa is great for dipping, topping tacos, or adding a fresh kick to any Mexican-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes, cored and quartered
- 1 red onion, peeled and quartered
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled
- 3 jalapenos, stemmed and seeded (or substitute habanero or serrano peppers)
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Canned Ingredients
- 15 ounces crushed San Marzano tomatoes (1 can)
- 4.5 ounces diced green chiles, mild, medium, or hot (1 can)
Spices and Seasonings
- 2-3 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2-3 teaspoons sugar (optional)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic, jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice, 2 teaspoons cumin, 2 teaspoons sugar (if using), and salt into a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and well blended, ensuring all the flavors start to meld together.
- Add Canned Tomatoes and Green Chiles: Pour in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes and diced green chiles. Puree the mixture until mostly smooth, scraping down the sides of the food processor as needed to mix everything evenly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salsa and if desired, add additional cumin and sugar to reach your preferred flavor profile. Blend briefly again to incorporate these final seasonings fully.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the salsa to a container and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let flavors meld and develop. Serve chilled as a dip, condiment, or topping.
Notes
- For a spicier salsa, keep the seeds in the jalapenos or substitute with habanero peppers.
- The sugar is optional and helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes if desired.
- This salsa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor or canned if fresh are out of season.
- Adjust cumin to your taste preference for a smokier or earthier note.
