Vibrant Raw Salsa

Hey there!

Can you believe that it is already almost the end of February? Where has the time gone…

I am forever endeavoring to eat more fresh vegetables and eat the rainbow. So, here is my favorite raw salsa recipe to do just that!

Tools:

Cutting board

Sharp knife

Food processor (optional)

Garlic Press (optional)

Ingredients:

2 Serrano Peppers

1 Jalapeño Pepper

1 Anaheim Pepper

20-24 Mini Sweet Peppers or 4-5 Bell Peppers

1 bunch of Cilantro

6-8 Roma Tomatoes

1 onion (I like to use half a white onion and half a red onion for color)

4 cloves of Garlic or Garlic powder

Directions:

·      Wash everything thoroughly

·      Cut the crowns off all the sweet peppers. I pull the seeds and pith out as well, but you can leave them.

·      Remove outer papery layers of the onion(s). Cut in to quarters and set aside any that will not be used.

·      Rough chop sweet peppers and onion in small batches in food processor or by hand. Place chopped veggies in a large bowl.

·      Cut the crowns off the Serrano, Jalapeño, and Anaheim peppers. If you want your salsa to be mild, you want to remove all seeds and pulp inside. If you prefer some heat, leave them in.

·      Chop peppers very finely to even out the spice. Place chopped peppers in the large bowl. Note: Wear gloves if you hand chop these as you can give yourself a chemical burn if you have sensitive skin. If you ever happen to encounter this, I can share what I have done to relieve the burning sensation on my hands.

·      Remove the bottom section of stems on the cilantro. Rough chop the cilantro in the food processor or by hand to your desired size. Place in large bowl with the peppers.

·      To prepare the garlic cloves, peel off the outer layers and either press through a garlic press or smash with the side of a wide bladed knife. Place in the bowl with the peppers and cilantro.

·      Chop tomatoes. If you use the food processor, I suggest only chopping one or two at a time and I quarter them first. This is to keep them from going completely to mush, but if you like soupier salsa, then go nuts and throw them all in.

·      Place tomatoes in the bowl with the other ingredients. Step back and take a picture of your colorful masterpiece

·      Stir thoroughly. If you did not have fresh garlic, now is the time to add garlic powder. I also add fresh cracked black pepper.

·      Taste and adjust seasoning. Some people like salt, but I do not like to add any. I taste the salsa with a spoon. If it is good enough to eat all by itself, it’s done!

Suggestions for using salsa:

·      On top of salad

·      On top of scrambled eggs or omelets

·      On tacos

·      With chips

·      In soup

·      In coleslaw

·      In veggie based smoothies

·      With avocado and chia seeds