Excellent Salsa
A rich, creamy salsa sauce with a hint of heat and herbs, perfect for dipping or drizzling over grilled dishes, appealing to those who enjoy bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- handful fresh cilantro ⓘ
- garlic powder to taste ⓘ
- canned La Costena serrano peppers
- 3 egg yolks ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter melted ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons hot water ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon parsley ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon dried tarragon ⓘ
Instructions
- Beat egg yolks in the top of a double boiler with a wire whisk until smooth but not fluffy.
- Add melted butter, lemon juice, hot water, and salt. Place over hot water and beat until the sauce begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.
- Add parsley and tarragon. Add cold water and beat if the mixture begins to separate.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier salsa, add more La Costena serrano peppers or even a diced jalapeño. If fresh cilantro isn't available, parsley can be used as a substitute, though it will alter the flavor profile. You can also adjust the seasoning with more garlic powder or salt to suit your taste. This salsa makes a great dip for tortilla chips or as a topping for a Taco Platter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this excellent salsa as a dip for tortilla chips or drizzled over grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Mexican Sweet Bread for a unique twist or as part of a colorful taco bar. For a complete meal, consider adding it alongside a Chili Burrito or Mexican Cheese Bites.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat to prevent separation of the sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Excellent Salsa contains roughly 290 calories, with 17g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (145% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (143% of the Daily Value), and potassium (70% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2586mg per serving (112% 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 make this salsa ahead of time?
Yes, this salsa can be made a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit in the refrigerator overnight allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste. Just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Is it possible to make this salsa vegetarian?
Yes, this salsa is already vegetarian-friendly. The ingredients used are all plant-based, making it suitable for vegetarians. Just ensure that any additional toppings or sides you serve with it are also vegetarian.
How can I adjust the consistency of the salsa?
If you prefer a thicker salsa, reduce the amount of hot water added or allow it to simmer a bit longer over low heat. For a thinner consistency, gradually add more hot water until you reach your desired texture. Just remember to mix well after each addition.
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).