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Pico de Gallo, Homemade Salsa Recipe

A plate of tortilla chips with a bowl for homemade pico de gallo.


Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes (about 3-4 small tomatoes)

  • ¾ cup diced white onion

  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 jalapeño pepper, stemmed and diced

  • ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, diced jalapeño, and ½ teaspoon of salt.

  2. Adjust seasonings: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt to your preference.

  3. Chill: Chill the pico de gallo in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve as a dip with tortilla chips.

  • Enjoy it as a topping for tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and more.

  • Add it to grilled fish, chicken, or shrimp.

  • Use it to garnish salads and soups.

Tips & Tricks:

  • Choose ripe tomatoes: Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best flavor.

  • Adjust heat: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your desired level of spiciness.

  • Make it ahead: Pico de gallo can be made a few hours in advance.

  • Use fresh ingredients: Use fresh herbs and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.

Unleashing the Magic: My Pico de Gallo Epiphany

For years, I walked past the vibrant displays of salsa at the grocery store, never once considering making my own. Pico de Gallo, with its vibrant colors and enticing aroma, always seemed like something reserved for culinary experts. But then, four years ago, while working as a cook in a bustling resort restaurant, my culinary perspective shifted.

One afternoon, our usual salsa shipment failed to arrive (as well as half of our truck order, but that's a story for another time). Faced with the prospect of a salsa-less menu, our head chef, a seasoned culinary artist, decided to make a batch from scratch. I watched in awe as he effortlessly chopped fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, the vibrant colors creating a mesmerizing display. He then added a touch of lime juice, a sprinkle of salt, and a hint of jalapeño, transforming simple ingredients into a burst of flavor.

That day, I witnessed the magic of homemade salsa. It was a revelation! The flavors were so much brighter, fresher, and more vibrant than anything I had ever tasted from a jar. The aroma alone was intoxicating, a symphony of fresh herbs and zesty lime.

And the best part? It was incredibly easy to make. Simply combine a few fresh ingredients, adjust the seasonings to your liking, and voila! You have a culinary masterpiece. I've never looked into making salsa, and thought there was more to it. It was amazing to me, and it unlocked a new skill set for me. Things I had once bought in jars suddenly were in my grasp to make fresh at home, and let's face it, fresh always tastes way better when you can do it.

From that day on, I was hooked. I started experimenting with different variations, adding a touch of mango, a sprinkle of cumin, or a dash of hot sauce. I discovered the joy of using locally sourced ingredients, the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch.

Pico de Gallo is not just a condiment; it's a celebration of fresh flavors and a testament to the power of simple ingredients. It's a reminder that culinary magic can be found in the most unexpected places, even in the humble act of chopping vegetables.

So, I encourage you to unleash your inner chef and try making your own Pico de Gallo. You might be surprised at how easy and rewarding it is.

P.S. Don't forget to share your culinary creations with me on social media! I'd love to see your vibrant bowls of Pico de Gallo. Not following me yet? That's okay! Just click the emojis below to see what shenanigans I have been up to around the web.

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