Salsa(Hot Sauce)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Cuisine: Mexican

A fiery homemade hot sauce with fresh tomatoes, onions, and chilies, perfect for adding heat and flavor to tacos, grilled meats, or chips for spice lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. onions
  • 2 lb. hot chilies
  • 5 lb. tomatoes
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice or distilled white vinegar

Instructions

  1. Peel and chop onions, chop chilies (seed removed), peel and chop fresh tomatoes.
  2. Add onions, chilies, and other ingredients to chopped tomatoes.
  3. Pack into hot jars and process in boiling water bath for 5 minutes or bring to a boil, pack into jars, seal, and process for 5 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a milder salsa, consider using less hot chilies or substituting some with bell peppers. Fresh ingredients yield the best flavor, so opt for ripe tomatoes. If you prefer a smoky flavor, try adding a couple of chipotle peppers. This salsa can be customized with herbs like cilantro or even fruit like mango for a twist. Pair with Baja Guacamole for a delightful appetizer.

Serving Suggestions

This hot salsa is perfect as a dip with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, burritos, and grilled meats. It also enhances dishes like Chicken Flautas and is a great addition to any Mexican recipes spread. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing Cumin-Honey Vinaigrette Salad for a balanced meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store the salsa in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in small portions. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to maintain the fresh flavor and texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Salsa(Hot Sauce) contains roughly 213 calories, with 7g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (243% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and potassium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1996mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).

213 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.6g 13% DV
Total Fat 1.8g 2% DV
Carbs 45.1g 16% DV
Fiber 8.7g 31% DV
Sugar 15.4g 31% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1996.1mg 87% DV
Potassium 1363.6mg 29% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 127.1mcg 14% DV
Vitamin C 219.1mg 100% DV
Calcium 86.2mg 7% DV
Iron 1.9mg 10% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned tomatoes for convenience, but fresh tomatoes provide a brighter flavor. If using canned, opt for unsalted varieties and drain excess liquid to maintain the salsa's consistency.

How can I adjust the heat level of the salsa?

To adjust heat, reduce the number of hot chilies or remove the seeds and membranes, which contain most of the heat. Alternatively, add mild peppers or a touch of sugar to balance the spice.

Can I can this salsa for long-term storage?

Yes, this salsa can be canned using a boiling water bath method. Ensure you follow proper canning guidelines to avoid spoilage. Process for 5 minutes, and store in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

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).

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