Healthy and Delicious: Salsa Crudo Recipe
Picture yourself lounging on a sunny day, with a refreshing drink in one hand and a bowl of delectable salsa in the other. Whether you’re dipping tortilla chips or spooning it over tacos, there’s something about salsa that adds an intense zing to any dish. That being said, not all salsas are created equal.
Enter my fresh and fragrant Salsa Crudo Recipe, an unforgettable dip or topping that will brighten up your palate like nothing else. This recipe is different from your usual jarred tomato sauce or pico de gallo in the sense that it remains raw and uncooked, allowing for the flavors of the fresh ingredients to shine through.
Now, I know what you might be thinking – won’t I miss the smokiness of roasted tomatoes or the tanginess of tomatillo salsa? And to that, I say fear not. My recipe offers a unique take on salsa cruda that is both juicy and ripe with flavor. The beauty lies in the simplicity – only six ingredients are used for this recipe, allowing each component to complement each other and meld together perfectly.
So whip out your apron, pull out those chopping boards, and let’s get started on creating the ultimate Salsa Crudo Recipe that’ll tantalize your taste buds like never before.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a salsa recipe that will blow your mind? Look no further than this delicious and easy-to-make salsa cruda recipe. This salsa is perfect for any occasion, from a casual backyard barbecue to an elegant dinner party. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought salsa again.
What sets this salsa apart is its use of fresh ingredients. From the juicy tomatoes to the aromatic garlic, every ingredient in this recipe is bursting with flavor. It’s like taking a bite out of summer in every spoonful.
But freshness isn’t the only thing that makes this salsa amazing. The simple combination of garlic, salt, fresh ground pepper, and extra virgin olive oil takes the flavors of the ingredients to the next level. And for those who love a kick of heat, add in some chopped serrano chiles for an extra touch of spice.
Not only is this salsa delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Enjoy it with tortilla chips as a classic dip or use it to top tacos or grilled meats for a burst of flavor. And don’t forget about its ability to elevate any boring side dish – I dare you to try it on top of your scrambled eggs in the morning.
Still not convinced? This mouthwatering recipe has been perfected by some of the best chefs in the game such as Gabriela Cámara and Gonzalo Guzmán, featured on Milk Street TV as well as other culinary shows. Plus, with Cinco de Mayo coming up, there’s no better time to wow your guests with homemade salsa that beats anything you can get at a restaurant.
So what are you waiting for? Get chopping those tomatoes and enjoy the magic that is salsa cruda – your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
Here are the fresh ingredients you’ll need for this Salsa Crudo recipe:
Produce
- 3 large tomatoes, cored and chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 white onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 serrano peppers, seeded and minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
Herbs
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
Liquids
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
Seasoning
- Fresh ground pepper and salt (to taste)
To make variations of this salsa cruda, other ingredients can be added too such as tomatillo and tomato sauce. I recommend always using fresh ingredients to enhance the flavors and obtain the best results.
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of making this fabulous salsa crudo recipe. I cannot stress enough how this cruda recipe can elevate a dish from good to outstanding. Before we proceed, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand and that you have prepared them as described in the ingredient list.
Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables
Start by finely dicing 2 garlic cloves, thinly slicing a white onion, and finely chopping 2 serrano peppers, removing seeds and membranes beforehand to manage their heat level. Next, core 3 large tomatoes and roughly chop them. Make sure to deseed and chop small tomatoes such as cherry or grape tomatoes as well. Finally, coarsely chop about 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves.
Step 2: Blending the Salsa Crudo
Add all the ingredients to a blender or food processor, along with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar or lime juice (depending on your preference), and a pinch each of salt and fresh ground pepper. Pulse the mixture for few seconds until everything is finely minced but still has some texture.
Step 3: Adjusting Consistency and Flavor
Take a taste at this point and adjust seasoning accordingly. You can add more salt, pepper or balsamic vinegar if needed. If your salsa crudo is too thick for your liking at this stage, you can blend in additional olive oil or even water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 4: Serving and Enjoying
Transfer your delicious homemade salsa cruda to a serving container, cover with plastic wrap or lid, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Salsa crudo tastes best when served fresh while its flavors are still intact, so make sure to consume within hours of preparation.
This simple yet tasty salsa cruda recipe is a perfect addition to any party table or summer BBQ spread. With just a few ingredients and easy prep steps, you can whip up an impressive homemade salsa in no time!
Substitutions and Variations
As much as I love the classic Salsa Crudo recipe, it’s always great to mix things up and explore new flavors! Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try to make your salsa experience even more exciting:
– Heat level: If you’re looking for a spicier salsa, try using jalapeño peppers or habaneros instead of serranos. Conversely, if you prefer your salsa mild, skip the pepper altogether or use less of it.
– Tomatoes: While chopped tomatoes are essential for Salsa Crudo, you can play around with different varieties to get a slightly different taste. Try using cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, or roma tomatoes.
– Onions: Red onion is the most widely used type of onion in this recipe, but you can swap it out with white onion or shallots for a subtler flavor.
– Herbs: Basil gives Salsa Crudo its signature freshness, but feel free to experiment with different herbs that suit your taste buds. Cilantro, parsley or mint works really well too!
– Add-ins: Want to add some depth to your salsa? Try mixing in diced avocado, corn kernels, roasted red peppers or even mango!
– Acidic components: In the traditional Salsa Crudo recipe, lime juice gives the salsa its bright acidity. But you could also use lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for a slightly different taste.
Remember that while these substitutions and variations may alter the taste slightly, they all still retain the essence of what makes this fresh and vibrant salsa delicious! So go ahead and have fun experimenting!
Serving and Pairing
Ah, my fellow foodies. The moment we have been waiting for has finally arrived – serving and pairing this exquisite Salsa Crudo.
This salsa is perfect to be served at any party or gathering, be it a festive occasion like the Cinco de Mayo, or just a simple get-together with friends and family. Gabriela Cámara and Gonzalo Guzmán are masters in creating this recipe and I cannot thank them enough for introducing me to such a delicious treat.
Now, let’s get down to pairing. You can serve this salsa with any Mexican dish like tacos, quesadillas or fajitas. It is a perfect complement because of its fresh ingredients and tangy flavor. And if you are having seafood like scallop crudo, tuna crudo or prosciutto, do not hesitate to add this Salsa Crudo as an accompaniment. Trust me when I say that it will light up your taste buds in ways you have never imagined before.
Looking for unconventional pairings? Why not try it with summer pasta or even tomato sauce? You will be surprised how well they blend together.
The best part of this salsa is that it can also be eaten on its own as a salad or as a snack with some chips. The possibilities are endless.
Serving the salsa is just as easy as making it. You can place it in a bowl or platter on the table along with some Mexican cuisine! You can garnish it with some chopped herbs such as basil leaves or cilantro on the top to liven it up.
Go ahead and try serving this salsa during your next party! Your guests will marvel at how effortlessly you bring joy to their palates through this delightful accompaniment – the Salsa Crudo.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re planning a big party or just want to cut down on the prep work, this salsa crudo recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. The fresh ingredients hold well when stored properly and can be reheated easily without losing any of their vibrant flavors.
To make ahead, simply prepare the salsa crudo up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just give it a stir and adjust the seasonings to taste.
If you have leftover salsa crudo, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure to keep it covered tightly so that it doesn’t dry out.
When it comes to reheating, there are a few options depending on your preference. If you prefer your salsa crudo to be warm, simply heat it up in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can also microwave it on high for 30-second intervals until heated to your desired temperature.
One thing to keep in mind is that reheating the salsa crudo may slightly alter its texture and appearance. While this doesn’t affect the taste, it’s something to consider if presentation is important for your dish.
Overall, this versatile salsa crudo recipe will save you time without sacrificing flavor or quality. Whether you’re serving at a party or making extra for future meals, storing and reheating this fresh and delicious salsa crudo is easy and convenient.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to make a finger-licking-good salsa crudo, then it’s all about using the freshest ingredients and following the recipe steps to a tee. But here are additional tips that may come in handy when making this recipe.
Firstly, it is important to use ripe, high-quality tomatoes as they are the main ingredient of this salsa. Try to choose tomatoes that are firm but not too hard and have a bright red color with no bruises or blemishes.
When chopping your vegetables, make sure to dice them evenly and to the desired size according to your preference. Uniformly chopped ingredients add texture and ensure even seasoning throughout the dish.
For best flavor results, use fresh herbs like basil or cilantro in your salsa crudo. Avoid using dried herbs as they won’t release their flavors like fresh ones.
Another important tip is to give your ingredients enough time to marinate before serving. Salsa crudo tastes better after allowing its flavors to meld for at least 30 minutes or up to an hour in the refrigerator.
When seasoning your salsa crudo, keep in mind that a little goes a long way. Start with small amounts of salt, pepper and citrus juice, then adjust accordingly. Remember, you can always add more seasoning but cannot remove it once added!
Furthermore, consider adding some hot sauce or diced jalapeños if you prefer a spicier kick. Just make sure not to overdo it so you don’t overpower the other flavors.
Finally, presentation matters! Serve your salsa in a beautiful bowl garnished with fresh herbs such as basil leaves or cilantro sprigs. Cutting out some tortilla chips shapes using cookie cutters will also add an interesting aesthetic touch to your presentation.
By following these tips for perfect results on this salsa crudo recipe, you are guaranteed to have an appetizing crowd-pleaser at any party!
FAQ
As we near the end of this recipe article, it’s time to address some common questions that may arise while making this delicious salsa crudo recipe. Below, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions to ensure that you have all the information you need to make this salsa crudo recipe like a pro. So, let’s dive right into it!
What is the difference between salsa and salsa cruda?
There are various ways of preparing salsas, which could alter their consistency. It is possible to make uncooked salsas that are blended until they become smooth. Salsas can also be finely diced, like pico de gallo or can be served semi-chunky which is commonly referred to as salsa cruda.
What is salsa cruda another name for?
Pico de gallo is a type of raw salsa that uses a medley of fresh vegetables and herbs. This flavorful salsa usually consists of tomatoes, onions, and peppers, as well as cilantro and zesty lime juice for added tanginess.
What is the difference between salsa cruda and pico de gallo?
When it comes to Mexican cuisine, one may wonder what distinguishes pico de gallo from salsa. Pico de Gallo, also known as Salsa Fresca, is created using raw and fresh ingredients. On the other hand, salsa is usually crafted using mostly cooked ingredients, which are then blended or smashed together in a molcajete. This difference in preparation methods results in varying textures and flavor profiles between these two popular dips.
How long does salsa cruda last in the fridge?
One thing to keep in mind with homemade salsa cruda is its storage and freezing. After making this delicious dip, it’s possible to keep the rest in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, it may become a bit more watery as it sits. In case you have any leftover salsa cruda, it can be transformed into a puree and frozen for a couple of weeks.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Salsa Crudo Recipe we have just explored is a must-try for any home chef who loves throwing parties or just wants to enjoy the freshness of homemade salsa. With its simple ingredient list, easy instructions, and endless substitution and variation possibilities, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen all year round. From Cinco de Mayo celebrations to summer pasta dishes or scallop crudo appetizers, this Salsa Crudo Recipe will elevate your dishes to whole new levels of deliciousness.
So put on your apron and grab your chopping board because it’s time to make some homemade salsa like Gabriela Cámara and Gonzalo Guzmán from Milk Street TV. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors, as this recipe is versatile and forgiving.
Remember, fresh ingredients are key for the best results in any salsa recipe, so head to your local farmer’s market or grocery store to gather the best quality produce available. And don’t forget the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh basil which add depth and complexity of flavor to this delicious salsa.
Whether you serve it as Pico de Gallo, Salsa Verde Cruda, or Tomato Salsa Cruda with chips, guacamole, tacos, or even tomato sauce, this Salsa Crudo Recipe will not disappoint. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to impress your guests with your culinary skills and blow their taste buds away with this fantastic recipe!
Salsa Crudo Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup minced fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients; let stand 30 minutes.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!