Uncle Carl'S Salsa

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: Mexican

Uncle Carl's Salsa offers a vibrant, spicy blend of tomatoes, garlic, and peppers, perfect for dipping or topping, ideal for those who love bold, fresh flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 5 (28 oz.) cans whole peeled tomatoes, drained
  • 1 whole head garlic
  • 12 jalapeno peppers (at least 4 red)
  • 2 large cayenne peppers
  • 2 medium white onions
  • 3 tsp. salt

Instructions

  1. In a large food processor, chop the drained whole peeled tomatoes, but not too much.
  2. In a small mini-chopper processor, finely chop the onions and jalapeno peppers.
  3. Also chop the garlic head along with the peppers.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more balanced flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of lime juice to brighten the salsa. If you prefer a milder heat, use fewer jalapenos or remove the seeds. Fresh homemade salsa can also be enhanced with cilantro or bell peppers, depending on your preference. Always taste as you go, adjusting salt and spice levels to suit your palate.

Serving Suggestions

This salsa is perfect as a dip for tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos and grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with guacamole salad dip for a flavorful appetizer spread. Consider serving it alongside fresh hot jalapeno salsa for a spicy kick or as part of a vibrant Mexican recipes feast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. However, salsa is often best enjoyed cold, so consider serving it fresh for optimal flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Uncle Carl'S Salsa contains roughly 191 calories, with 8g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (430% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1782mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).

191 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8g 16% DV
Total Fat 1.9g 2% DV
Carbs 39g 14% DV
Fiber 14.2g 51% DV
Sugar 22.3g 45% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1782.4mg 77% DV
Potassium 1733.3mg 37% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 441mcg 49% DV
Vitamin C 386.6mg 100% DV
Calcium 97.9mg 8% DV
Iron 3.5mg 19% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! If using fresh tomatoes, you'll need about 10-12 ripe tomatoes. Blanch them to remove the skins, then chop and drain before adding to the food processor. Fresh tomatoes can enhance the flavor, especially in summer when they're in season.

How can I adjust the spice level of the salsa?

To adjust the spice level, you can reduce the number of jalapenos or use milder peppers like bell peppers. Alternatively, adding a bit of sugar can help balance the heat. For extra spice, consider adding more cayenne peppers or even a splash of hot sauce.

Is this salsa suitable for canning?

Yes, this salsa can be canned! Ensure you follow safe canning practices, including proper sterilization of jars and processing times. It's recommended to add lemon juice or vinegar for acidity if you're canning to enhance preservation and safety.

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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