By Kelly Bogard

There’s always a reason to celebrate. Birthdays. Promotions. Holidays. Food is always involved.

You could say food is the life of our party. Most of the time, anyway.

It’s the center of get-togethers and celebrations at our house. I always have a few snacks on hand when family and friends come over.

And a surefire go-to in my house just happens to be this week’s recipe.

For Back to Basics: Salsa, you will need…Back to Basics: Salsa
4 vine ripe tomatoes
4-5 cloves garlic
2 jalapenos
1 small white onion
1 bunch cilantro
1 ½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. cumin

I’ve been known to open a jar of salsa in the past and that’s not a bad last minute fix. But once I show you this recipe, you will be grabbing fresh veggies at the store rather than jars.

First, wash and pat dry all of the produce. Next, slice the tomatoes and onion into large chunks. Split the jalapenos in half and remove the seeds. Remove the skin from the garlic.
Back to Basics: Salsa

Place these ingredients into a blender or food processor and pulse until large chunks are gone. I usually do half and then add the rest for a second pulse so as to break everything down better.
Back to Basics: Salsa

Now grab two handfuls of the cilantro leaves and remove as much of the stems as possible. Add the leaves, along with the salt and cumin to the mixture, and give it a few more pulses.
Back to Basics: Salsa

At this point, you could call it done. But I like to open the flavors a bit, so I simmer it in a saucepan over medium high heat for 8-10 minutes or until heated through.
Back to Basics: Salsa

Then, just chill and serve. This recipe takes less than 20 minutes to make and is so versatile. If you need a quick snack or a flavorful addition to your supper, this is the salsa for you. Fresh and ready to go. From all of us at Texas Table Top, enjoy!

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Recipe: Back to Basics: Salsa

Summary: Classic snack for any occasion

Ingredients

Back to Basics: Salsa

  • 4 vine ripe tomatoes
  • 4-5 cloves garlic
  • 2 jalapenos
  • 1 small white onion
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 1 ½ tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. cumin

Instructions

  • Wash and dry all produce.
  • Quarter tomatoes and onion.
  • Half jalapenos and remove seeds.
  • Remove garlic skin.
  • Place half of the produce in a blender or food processor.
  • Pulse until no large pieces remain.
  • Add the remaining produce and repeat the pulsing process.
  • Add two handfuls of cilantro with the stems removed.
  • Add salt and cumin.
  • Pulse to incorporate.
  • Move to a saucepan and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until heated through.
  • Chill and serve.

Prep time (duration): 0 hour(s), 15 minutes

Number of servings (yield): 3-4 cups

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