Best Homemade Salsa Ever

let’s make some fantastic homemade salsa! This recipe is customizable to your spice preference and uses fresh, vibrant ingredients.

Yields: About 2-3 cups Prep time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4-5 ripe Roma tomatoes (about 1.5 pounds)
• 1/2 white onion, roughly chopped
• 1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and roughly chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• Optional: 1/4 cup water (to adjust consistency)
• Optional: 1/4 cup diced bell pepper (for sweetness and texture)

Instructions (Raw Salsa):

1. Prep the Tomatoes: Roughly chop the tomatoes.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, add the chopped tomatoes, onion, jalapeño peppers, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
3. Pulse: Pulse the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. Some people prefer a chunky salsa, while others like it smoother. Be careful not to over-process it into a puree.
4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lime juice as needed. If the salsa is too thick, add a little water to reach your preferred consistency.
5. Chill: For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salsa for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve: Serve chilled with tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, or your favorite Mexican dishes.

Instructions (Roasted Salsa – for a deeper flavor):

1. Roast the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, and garlic cloves (unpeeled) with a drizzle of olive oil. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
2. Roast: Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly charred.
3. Cool and Peel: Let the vegetables cool slightly. Peel the garlic cloves.
4. Blend: In a food processor or blender, combine the roasted vegetables, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
5. Pulse and Season: Pulse to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Chill and Serve: Chill for at least 30 minutes and serve.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the number of jalapeños or add a hotter pepper like serrano for more heat. Remove the seeds and membranes for less spice.
• Tomato Choice: Roma tomatoes are ideal because they have less water and fewer seeds.  
• Onion Variety: White onion is classic, but you can use red onion for a slightly different flavor.
• Sweetness: A pinch of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Smoked Flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the roasted salsa for a smoky depth.
• Make Ahead: Salsa can be made a day or two in advance. The flavors will deepen as it sits.
• Storage: Store leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Enjoy your fantastic homemade salsa!