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Best Spicy Salsa: A Flavorful Recipe to Ignite Your Taste Buds

This fresh salsa combines ripe tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños with cilantro and lime juice for a vibrant, zesty flavor. Perfect for dipping or as a topping for Mexican dishes, it adds a delicious kick to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 12 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash all fresh produce thoroughly under cold running water.
  2. Dice the tomatoes into small, uniform pieces (about 1/4-inch cubes).
  3. Finely chop the onion. If needed, chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting to avoid tears.
  4. Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
  5. Prepare the jalapeño peppers by cutting off the stem, slicing in half, and removing seeds/membranes for milder salsa. Finely chop.
  6. Rinse and coarsely chop the cilantro.
  7. Juice the lime by rolling it on the countertop before cutting.
  8. In a large mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped jalapeños. Stir gently.
  9. Add chopped cilantro, ground cumin, and lime juice.
  10. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust as needed.
  11. If too acidic, add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar and mix well.
  12. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
  13. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. For best results, chill for a few hours or overnight.
  14. Stir the salsa before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  15. Serve with tortilla chips, or use as a topping for tacos, burritos, or grilled meats.
  16. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • For a smoother salsa, blend ingredients in a food processor to desired consistency.
  • For a smoky flavor, add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
  • Customize with different peppers or add diced avocado for creaminess.