Picante Sauce (Salsa)
A vibrant, spicy pico de gallo-style salsa with fresh tomatoes, onions, peppers, and bold seasonings, perfect for dipping or topping Mexican dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Squeeze juice out of the peeled tomatoes and save the juice.
- Grind up the peeled tomatoes, onions, green peppers, jalapeno peppers, and garlic.
- Put the ground mixture into a kettle.
- Add pickling salt, sugar, and vinegar to the kettle.
- Dilute 1/2 cup of cornstarch in the tomato juice to make a gravy.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the boiling kettle.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Open the kettle and fill jars with the hot salsa.
- Seal the jars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier salsa, consider adding more jalapeno peppers or some diced habanero peppers. If fresh tomatoes are out of season, you can substitute with canned tomatoes, but be cautious with the salt content. To enhance the flavor, try adding chopped cilantro or lime juice. This salsa pairs wonderfully with Mexican recipes like Halibut Fajitas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this picante sauce as a dip with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos and burritos. It also complements grilled meats beautifully and can be used as a zesty marinade. For a refreshing drink pairing, serve alongside Frozen Margaritas to balance the heat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover salsa in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers. When reheating, warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, to maintain the texture and flavor without cooking it further.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Picante Sauce (Salsa) contains roughly 346 calories, with 5g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (123% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 this salsa?
Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level by varying the number of jalapeno peppers or by removing the seeds from the peppers before adding them. If you prefer a milder salsa, consider using bell peppers instead of jalapenos.
How long can I store this salsa?
This salsa can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. If you're canning it, make sure to follow proper canning procedures to ensure it lasts for several months at room temperature. Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming.
What can I serve with this picante sauce?
This salsa is versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. It pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, and burritos. It also makes a great topping for quesadillas or a dip for chips. For a complete meal, try it with Debbie'S Black Bean Chili.
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).