Thick And Chunky Salsa
Thick and chunky salsa bursting with fresh tomato, onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno flavors, perfect for dipping, topping, or serving with Mexican-inspired dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash tomatoes; dip into boiling water for about 30 seconds to loosen skins.
- Dip into cold water.
- Core and peel tomatoes; cut in half.
- Squeeze tomatoes to remove most of the seeds and juice. Chop tomatoes into pieces, reserving half of them.
- Put remaining tomatoes into a large saucepan.
- Cook over high heat for 5 minutes.
- Puree cooked tomatoes through a food mill or with a hand blender.
- Return to the saucepan.
- Bring to a boil.
- Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 1 hour until mixture is reduced.
- Add reserved tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, garlic, jalapeno peppers, tomato paste, salt, vinegar, sugar, and cilantro.
- Simmer for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker salsa, consider adding the optional cornstarch towards the end of cooking. You can substitute the jalapeno peppers with serrano peppers for more heat, or omit them for a milder flavor. If you want a smokier taste, try roasting the vegetables before adding them to the mix. This salsa pairs beautifully with Fritz'S Salsa for a lively dip spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this thick and chunky salsa with tortilla chips for a perfect appetizer. It also makes a delicious topping for grilled chicken or fish, adding a burst of flavor. Pair it with Pretty Darn Good Bean Dip for a delightful appetizer spread or serve it alongside your favorite Mexican recipes for a festive meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also enjoy it cold straight from the fridge, as it makes a refreshing topping for grilled meats or tacos.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thick And Chunky Salsa contains roughly 1338 calories, with 32g protein, 301g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (943% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (125% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2656mg per serving (115% 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 can this salsa for long-term storage?
Yes, you can can this salsa using proper canning techniques. Make sure to use sterilized jars and follow safe canning practices to ensure long shelf life. This salsa is great for preserving summer flavors and can last up to a year when stored properly.
How can I adjust the spice level of the salsa?
To adjust the spice level, you can increase or decrease the amount of jalapeno peppers. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos or substitute with a bell pepper. Conversely, for more heat, add more jalapenos or include some chopped habaneros.
What can I add to make the salsa more unique?
Consider adding fresh fruits like diced mango or pineapple for a sweet twist. You can also experiment with different herbs such as oregano or mint to give the salsa a fresh flavor. Adding roasted corn can introduce a delightful sweetness and texture to your salsa.
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).