Red Picante Salsa Recipe: A Spicy Kick for Your Mexican Meals
When it comes to authentic Mexican cuisine, a flavorful salsa is the perfect accompaniment to elevate any meal. This Red Picante Salsa, with its fiery kick and rich, smoky flavor, pairs beautifully with Fried Nachos, Quesadillas, and even as a zesty topping for tacos, burritos, or grilled meats. Easy to prepare, this salsa delivers the perfect balance of tangy tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and the heat of chipotle peppers.
This Red Picante Salsa recipe takes just a few minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. It serves 4 people and fits perfectly into any Mexican-inspired meal. Best of all, it’s vegetarian and loaded with healthy, fresh ingredients!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 4 (core removed and chopped) |
| Onion | 1 (chopped) |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1 (chopped) |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1 (chopped) |
| Garlic | 5 cloves |
| Chipotle Peppers | 2 (dried or canned) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | 1 pinch |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 2 sprigs (chopped) |
Preparation & Cooking Instructions
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Begin by gathering and prepping all the ingredients. Chop the tomatoes, onion, and bell peppers. |
| 2 | Add all the prepared ingredients (tomatoes, onion, both bell peppers, garlic, chipotle peppers, salt, sugar, olive oil, and coriander) into a hand blender or food processor. Blend into a coarse mixture. |
| 3 | Transfer the salsa mixture to a saucepan over medium heat. |
| 4 | Bring the salsa to a boil and let it simmer for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The salsa will deepen in color to a vibrant red as it cooks down. |
| 5 | Once the salsa has thickened slightly and is a rich red, remove it from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or sugar if necessary. |
| 6 | Serve the Red Picante Salsa hot or at room temperature alongside your favorite Mexican dishes such as Fried Nachos or Quesadillas. Enjoy the smoky, spicy flavor! |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~30 kcal |
| Protein | ~1 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~8 g |
| Fiber | ~2 g |
| Sugars | ~4 g |
| Fat | ~1 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~0 g |
| Sodium | ~200 mg |
Tips for the Perfect Red Picante Salsa:
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder salsa, you can reduce the number of chipotle peppers or remove the seeds before blending. Alternatively, add more peppers for an extra spicy kick!
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the ripest tomatoes you can find for the best flavor. Ripe tomatoes bring out the natural sweetness that balances the heat of the chipotle peppers.
- Storage: Store your leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
Serve With:
- Fried Nachos: The crispy texture of fried tortillas paired with the spicy salsa makes for a mouthwatering snack.
- Quesadillas: Add a generous spoonful of salsa to your cheesy quesadillas for a burst of flavor.
- Tacos and Burritos: Drizzle over tacos, burritos, or grilled chicken for that authentic Mexican touch.
This Red Picante Salsa recipe will quickly become a staple in your Mexican cooking repertoire, adding layers of smoky flavor and vibrant color to all your dishes. Enjoy the bold taste of this homemade salsa, and don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sides for an exciting Mexican feast!
