Fresh and Flavorful Salsa Cruda Recipe
🍅 Name: Salsa Cruda
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 15 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 6
🥣 Yield: About 2 cups
Description
Salsa Cruda, or “raw salsa,” is a vibrant and zesty Mexican staple that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive parties. This recipe skips the roasting step for a quick and easy preparation, ensuring you get maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or prefer a milder flavor, you can easily customize this salsa to suit your taste buds. Enjoy the freshness that beats any store-bought alternative!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Salsa Cruda:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 6 | Roma tomatoes |
| 4 | Garlic cloves |
| 2 | Red bell pepper |
| 2 | Red onion |
| 1 | Dried ancho chiles |
| 1/2 | Olive oil |
| 2 | Limes, juice of |
| 1 | Chili powder |
| 1 | Bunch cilantro |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 63.3
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 6.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 9.2g
- Fiber: 2.8g
- Sugars: 3.3g
- Protein: 1.8g
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Rinse the tomatoes, bell pepper, and cilantro under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
-
Chop and Combine:
- Finely chop the tomatoes, red bell pepper, and red onion. Mince the garlic cloves. Roughly chop the cilantro leaves.
-
Prepare the Ancho Chiles (optional step):
- If using dried ancho chiles, remove the stems and seeds. Cut them into small pieces.
-
Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
-
Add Seasonings:
- Squeeze the juice of two limes over the mixture. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle chili powder evenly. If using dried ancho chiles, add them at this point.
-
Season to Taste:
- Adjust the heat level by adding diced jalapenos according to your preference. Remember, the more seeds and membrane you leave in, the spicier your salsa will be.
-
Mix Thoroughly:
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined. Make sure the lime juice and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the salsa.
-
Chill (optional):
- For optimal flavor, cover the salsa and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can even leave it in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours for a more robust taste.
-
Serve:
- Serve your Salsa Cruda chilled or at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with crispy tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or as a topping for nachos.
Tips for Customizing Your Salsa Cruda
- Adjust Heat: Increase or decrease the amount of jalapenos and chili powder to suit your spice tolerance.
- Texture Preference: For a chunkier salsa, chop the ingredients coarsely. For a smoother texture, pulse in a food processor a few times.
- Extra Freshness: If you love extra freshness, add a diced avocado just before serving.
Conclusion
Salsa Cruda is not just a condiment but a burst of flavors that elevate any dish. With its fresh ingredients and customizable heat level, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your gatherings. Whether you’re dipping chips or topping tacos, enjoy the vibrant taste of homemade salsa that beats the canned variety any day! Perfect for those seeking a low-cholesterol, healthy snack option, whip up a batch today and savor the authentic flavors of Mexico right at home.
