Simple Gourmet Salsa

I think salsa is one of those things that can either be just okay or really, really good.  I was starting to get tired of the "just okay" salsa that you can buy in the grocery stores and decided to try to make my own.  This salsa came out even better than I had thought it would.  Yes, there are a few extra steps than simply opening a jar of salsa bought from the grocery store, but I think once you try this recipe, you won't want to go back to the store to buy salsa anymore.  I think this recipe is as good, if not better than, some of the salsas Matt and I had when we were in Cabo San Lucas for our honeymoon. 

This recipe comes from one of my favorite cooking blogs, Annie's Eats.  Her recipes are absolutely amazing and I love using her blog as inspiration.  If you have some time, I definitely recommend taking a look at her blog.

This recipe makes quite a bit of salsa, so if you don't want to make too much, you can cut it in half.



Simple Gourmet Salsa

2 fresh jalapeno peppers, seeded and coarsely chopped

4 garlic cloves, halved
2 large vine-ripened tomatoes
1 (28 0z.) can diced tomatoes (drained or not, depending on how much liquid you want-I drained most of the can)
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon cumin
1/2 yellow onion, coarsely chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
juice of 1 lime

In the bowl of a food processor, combine the jalapeno peppers and garlic.  Process until finely chopped.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl. 

Add all other ingredients to the food processor.  Pulse in very brief pulses until the vegetables have reached the size you desire (it does not take many pulses so don’t overdo it). 

Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to blend together.