Chunky Homemade Salsa
Vibrant chunky homemade salsa bursting with fresh tomatoes, chili peppers, cilantro, and garlic, perfect for snacking, dipping, or topping Mexican dishes for bold flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel, seed, and coarsely chop the tomatoes (about 14 cups).
- Place the chopped tomatoes in a large colander and let drain for approximately 30 minutes.
- Transfer the drained tomatoes into an 8-quart Dutch oven.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened and similar in consistency to chunky salsa.
- Add chopped chili peppers, onion, cilantro, garlic, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Return the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Ladle the hot salsa into pint jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
- Place lids on the jars and process in a boiling water bath for 35 minutes, starting timing when the water begins to boil.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier salsa, consider adding more jalapeno or Serrano peppers, adjusting to your heat preference. If fresh tomatoes aren't available, canned tomatoes can be a great substitute; just drain them well before use. To enhance flavor, roast the chili peppers before chopping. Fresh herbs like cilantro can be swapped with parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chunky salsa with tortilla chips for a perfect snack or appetizer. It pairs beautifully with Spicy Beans And Rice for a satisfying meal. You can also use it as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or even as a flavorful addition to Mexican Rice(From Mexico).
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing in small portions. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This salsa is also delicious served cold directly from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chunky Homemade Salsa contains roughly 322 calories, with 5g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (95% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 808mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I adjust the spice level of the salsa?
Absolutely! You can control the heat by modifying the number of jalapeno or Serrano peppers added. For a milder version, remove the seeds from these peppers, or use bell peppers instead. Conversely, for extra heat, include more of the spicier peppers or even a dash of hot sauce.
How long does this salsa last after canning?
Once properly canned, this salsa can last for up to one year when stored in a cool, dark place. After opening a jar, refrigerate any leftovers and consume within a week for the best flavor and freshness. Always check for signs of spoilage before use.
Can I make this salsa without canning it?
Yes, you can certainly make this salsa for immediate enjoyment without canning. Simply prepare it as directed, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. This way, you can enjoy fresh salsa anytime without the canning process, though it may not have the long shelf life.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).