Mouthwatering Tomato Salsa Recipe for Summer Parties
As I lay the ripe tomatoes on my kitchen counter, their vibrant colors and fresh scent whet my appetite. I reach for the red onion, green pepper, and jalapeno and start chopping with enthusiasm. This is the beginning of Uncle Bill’s Tomato Salsa, a recipe that has become a family tradition and a crowd-pleaser at parties.
And now, I want to share this treasure with you.
This homemade salsa recipe is easy to make and bursting with flavor. It captures the essence of summer in every bite, making it perfect for any occasion from a casual picnic to a fancy dinner party. Whether you’re serving it with chips as an appetizer or pairing it with fish tacos or mushroom pasta, Uncle Bill’s Tomato Salsa will add a touch of freshness and zing to your meal.
You don’t have to be a master chef to create this delicious salsa. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a homemade salsa that beats any store-bought version, satisfying your craving for something deliciously healthy.
So let’s gather our ingredients and start making some salsa!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: a hot summer day, the sun is shining bright, and you’re lounging by the pool with your friends. Suddenly, hunger strikes! You crave something cool, refreshing, and above all – delicious! That’s where Uncle Bill’s version of tomato salsa comes in.
Trust me when I say this – you’re guaranteed to fall head over heels in love with this homemade salsa recipe. It’s beyond easy to make and bursting with fresh flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
One of the best things about this tomato salsa recipe is its versatility. It can be used as a dip for chips, served alongside homemade pickles for a classic combination of spicy and sweet, or as the perfect topping for fish tacos or a bowl of Spanish rice.
The ingredients used to make this homemade salsa are simple yet flavorful. It includes fresh roma tomatoes, red onions, green peppers, garlic cloves, jalapeno peppers, cilantro, basil, parsley and wine vinegar. The combination is truly heavenly. The cilantro and lime juice offer a bright citrusy freshness while the jalapenos provide just the right amount of heat without being overpowering.
Moreover, this recipe uses only fresh ingredients and avoids any additional preservatives or additives found in store-bought salsas. Not only will it add an extra pop to your meal, but it’s also healthier too!
So why not ditch the store-bought salsa and make this homemade tomato salsa instead? You won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
- 10-12 ripe Roma tomatoes
- 1 small red onion, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium green pepper, seeded and chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
- 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey or liquid honey
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
Note that this ingredient list is for Uncle Bill’s Version of Tomato Salsa. The recipe uses a variety of ingredients to result in having the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. The use of both lime and lemon juices add a punch of citrus flavor, and the honey brings sweetness to the salsa. The cilantro, parsley, and basil combination creates a taste that could be best described as “fresh.”
The Recipe How-To
Before we start making our Uncle Bill’s Tomato Salsa, let’s prepare the necessary ingredients.
I recommend using ripe Roma tomatoes for this recipe. They are meaty and have fewer seeds than other tomato varieties, which make them perfect for salsas. Simply wash the tomatoes and then chop them into small pieces.
Next, you’ll need to finely chop 1/2 cup of red onion, 1/2 cup of green pepper, and 2-3 cloves of garlic.
For the spice lovers, you can add some chopped jalapeno peppers or any other hot chili pepper of your choice to give some extra heat to your salsa.
Finally, roughly chop a handful each of fresh cilantro, fresh basil, and fresh parsley which will add some freshness and herbal aroma to your salsa.
Making the Salsa
Now that our ingredients are prepped, let’s make our tomato salsa.
In a large cooking pot, add the chopped tomatoes, red onion, green pepper, garlic cloves, jalapeno peppers (optional), cilantro, basil, parsley, 1 tablespoon of liquid honey, 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, 1/4 cup of lime juice or lemon juice (or a combination of both), 1/3 cup of wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt.
Mix all these ingredients well with a spatula or spoon until everything is well combined. If you like chunky salsa just like I do, leave it as is.
If you prefer smooth salsa just like my wife does :wink:, use an immersion blender or a food processor to pulse the mixture until you achieve your desired texture.
Once ready, let your salsa cool down to room temperature before serving so all the flavors can settle in one place.
Adjusting Seasonings and Spiciness
Taste your homemade salsa to see if it needs any additional seasonings. If you want more heat level, feel free to add some more crushed jalapenos until it reaches your preferred spiciness level.
You can also add some tomato sauce or paste if you want thicker consistency. Adjust salt according to taste preference.
Store It
You can keep your homemade salsa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to seven days but I bet it won’t last that long!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking for a way to switch up this classic salsa recipe? There are several creative ways to add your own personal touch and make it unique!
Want a sweeter twist? Swap out the wine vinegar for liquid honey, and add some diced yellow banana peppers. This creates a Salsa Dip Recipe that is delicious with salty tortilla chips.
For an extra kick, mix in some chile de arbol salsa. Add just a teaspoon or two to start, and adjust to your taste. Pair this with beer battered fish for some Bang Bang flavor!
If you’re looking to make this recipe a bit healthier, try replacing the regular onion with green onion, and leave out any salt if you can. Fresh tomato, shallots, or even pickles can also be used in place of red onion.
To give it more of a Spanish rice vibe, try adding garlic cloves, ground cumin, beans or corn. Use homemade salsa to save on calories without sacrificing taste!
This recipe is versatile enough to use as a base for many different dishes. For instance, transform it into an Avocado Tomato Salsa by mixing in some mashed avocado with fresh cilantro and lime juice! It would taste fantastic mixed into Garlic Mushroom Pasta.
With all these variations on tomato salsa uncle Bill’s version recipe, the possibilities are nearly endless! Choose your favorite additions and enjoy the fresh flavors of your homemade salsa.
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve prepared this tantalizing tomato salsa, it’s time to serve and devour it! This delectable salsa is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family BBQ, game day munchies or just an after-work snack. You can also pair it with various dishes to suit your taste.
For classic serving, you can simply place your homemade salsa in a bowl and surround it with tortilla chips. However, if you are looking to jazz up your presentation, you can also decant the salsa into individual cups or ramekins and garnish them with fresh cilantro.
In addition to using it as a dip for chips or crackers, this homemade salsa makes a wonderful accompaniment to many dishes such as fish tacos, roasted chicken, or garlic mushroom pasta. You can even use the salsa as a flavorful topping for pizza or layer it on top of grilled cheese sandwiches for gourmet bliss!
I highly recommend serving this tomato salsa slightly chilled or at room temperature to enhance its fresh flavors. Additionally, if you want to improve its heat level according to your preference, you can add more jalapeño peppers or chile de arbol peppers to give the spicy kick that you desire.
This fresh tomato salsa will soon become one of your go-to recipes that you’ll keep coming back to because of its versatility and delicious flavor. And with the wide range of pairing options available – from beer-battered fish tacos to garlic mushroom pasta – there is sure to be something for everyone on the menu!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this uncle Bill’s version of tomato salsa recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for several days. This means that you can prepare your salsa in advance, allowing more time for other party preparations.
To make-ahead, simply store the salsa properly in an airtight container or covered bowl in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will further meld together, making it even tastier as time goes by.
If you want to reheat your salsa, simply transfer it to a saucepan and heat on a low temperature until warmed through. However, note that the texture may become slightly softer after reheating so it’s best served fresh.
I recommend preparing a large batch of salsa and storing it in smaller portions to use with other dishes such as salads and tacos. Alternatively, if you’re hosting a barbecue or potluck where there will be many guests, consider doubling the recipe and storing it ahead of time before the event.
So go ahead and make your homemade salsa in advance with confidence knowing that it will hold up well overnight and still taste fresh and delicious when you serve it up to your guests!
Tips for Perfect Results
To make the perfect tomato salsa, attention to detail is essential. As Uncle Bill would say, “It’s not just about throwing the ingredients together on a plate and calling it salsa.” With that in mind, here are some tips to help you achieve that delicious homemade salsa:
1. Use fresh produce: Always select fresh and ripe tomatoes without any cracks or blemishes. Cut out the tough core, and dice them fine for best results. A sweet onion will also work better than a regular onion as it has a milder flavor.
2. Experiment with spices: Ground cumin adds an earthy note to tomato salsa, while garlic cloves offer an intense flavor. If jalapeno peppers make your salsa too spicy, use yellow banana peppers instead.
3. Think beyond tomatoes: Try mixing in other vegetables such as bell peppers or cilantro to change up the flavors even more.
4. Balance the acidity: The acid balance in your tomato salsa is critical to its taste profile. You can use wine vinegar, lemon juice or lime juice to achieve this, whichever you prefer.
5. Be mindful of sweeteners: Adding liquid honey provides a sweetening component to counterbalance the acidity of your tomato sauce.
By following these tips, you’ll have everything you need to create a truly flavorful batch of homemade salsa that will liven up any party or gathering!
FAQ
Before we end this recipe article, let’s tackle the most commonly asked questions about making Uncle Bill’s Tomato Salsa. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, it’s always helpful to know some insider tips and tricks, as well as clarifications for any uncertainties that may arise. So, let’s get right into answering your questions and making sure you create the perfect bowl of fresh, homemade salsa!
Why do you put vinegar in canned salsa?
When making salsa at home, it’s important to use acid ingredients to keep it fresh. Canned salsas require additional acid since the natural acidity may not be sufficient. The two most commonly used acids in home canning are vinegar and lemon juice. Although lemon juice is more acidic than vinegar, it tends to have a less noticeable impact on the overall flavor of the salsa.
Why do you have to peel tomatoes when canning salsa?
To ensure safe home canning of root vegetables and tomatoes, it is recommended to remove their peel since bacteria tend to reside on the skin. While canning correctly can eliminate most bacteria, peeling as a precautionary measure is advisable. This practice aligns with the USDA’s guidelines for safe canning practices.
What is tomato salsa made of?
Creating a delicious salsa from scratch is a breeze. All you need is to finely chop some fresh tomatoes, chilis, onions, cilantro, and add some lime juice along with your preferred seasonings. It’s important to keep in mind that since this recipe uses fresh ingredients, the salsa will only be fresh for as long as you would expect from the lifespan of chopped fresh tomatoes.
How do you make Martha Stewart salsa?
For this recipe, we will need half a medium-sized onion that has been chopped up, one to two serrano peppers or one small jalapeno pepper that has been stemmed, seeded (optional), and finely chopped, two small-medium ripe round tomatoes or 4 to 5 plum tomatoes that have been chopped, two to three tablespoons of fresh cilantro leaves that have been chopped, two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice and some coarse salt.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an easy and delicious salsa recipe that will wow your guests, Uncle Bill’s tomato salsa version is the recipe you’ve been searching for. This fresh and flavorful salsa is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer barbecue, a game day party, or a family dinner. With its perfect blend of fresh herbs, veggies, and spices, you’ll never go back to store-bought salsa again. Plus, with the added bonus of being customizable with substitutions and variations, you can make this recipe your own.
By following the detailed instructions and tips provided in this article, you will achieve perfect results every time. You can also make it ahead of time and store it easily for later use or even use it as a base for other recipes like avocado salsa or chile de arbol salsa.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up the best homemade salsa you’ve ever tasted. Trust me; once you taste Uncle Bill’s tomato salsa version, there will be no going back to any other style of salsa. The freshness and quality of this recipe speak for themselves. So try this recipe today and let us know about the magical fusion of fresh tomato style salsa made with uncle bill formula
Tomato Salsa - Uncle Bill's Version Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 lbs roma tomatoes (other type of tomatoes would be okay as well)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped small
- 1 large red onion, finely chopped
- 1 large green pepper, seeded and chopped into small chunks
- 1 large sweet red pepper, seeded and chopped into small chunks
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon limes or 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3 tablespoons liquid honey
Instructions
- In a large pot bring water to a rolling boil.
- Drop in tomatoes and scald for 2 minutes.
- Drain and immediately cover with cold water and some ice cubes and let sit for a few minutes.
- Remove skins and discard.
- Remove stem core and discard.
- Cut tomatoes into small chunks.
- Using a large cooking pot, add chopped tomatoes, Jalapeno peppers, red onion, green pepper, sweet red pepper, cilantro, basil, parsley, wine vinegar, lemon juice, ground cumin and liquid honey.
- Bring mixture to a boil.
- On medium-high heat, cook for about 5 minutes stirring frequently.
- Adjust spices and Jalapeno peppers to taste.
- Prepare 4- pint size canning jars by washing in soap and water, then rinsing in hot water.
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
- Place washed jars upside down on oven rack and heat for 15 minutes.
- Prepare snap lids by boiling them in water for about 5 minutes.
- Fill jars with salsa mixture to within 1/4 inch of top of jars (for head space.) Remove any air bubbles by sliding a rubber spatula between glass and salsa; re-adjust head space to 1/4 inch.
- Wipe jar rims very clean to remove any stickiness.
- Place snap lids, then screw bands just until finger tight.
- Prepare a canner and bring water to boil.
- Place jars in canner rack and immerse in water.
- Process for 10 minutes.
- Remove jars from canner and place on a towel, then cover with another towel until cooled.
- Jars are sealed when lids"pop" and are concave (turned downward).
- Wipe jars clean and lable.
- Store jars in a cool, dry place.
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!