Simple ‘Firecracker’ Salsa Recipe For The 4th

I love homemade salsa. I’ve experimented with several recipes and have a good handful of favorites. But when I just want a simple, quick, and delicious salsa, this recipe never lets me down. You can put it together and have it on the table in 10 minutes. It’s great when you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen on a holiday like the 4th of July. And of course, living where we do in Texas, salsa is as much a staple as mustard or mayonnaise.  When I want fresh salsa, I buy all fresh produce and peppers.  This one is just a great ‘quickie’ fix.  Takes no time at all.

Ingredients:

1 large can whole tomatoes (28 oz)

2 medium jalapenos canned variety  (I used canned Costena brand, not too hot to use several for more jalapeno flavor)

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon salt (I use slightly less than a tablespoon for my taste)

1 bunch fresh cilantro

Rinse the cilantro and grab a handful and pull off the top of the bunch.  Throw it in the blender.  Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and jalapenos.  Carefully dump in the can of tomatoes and blend until  smooth.  Serve immediately with tortilla chips.    You can adjust the amounts of these simple ingredients to your taste.  Once you get your favorite balance, the recipe will be consistent every time.   The dry spices keep everything tasting the same batch after batch.  It’s fun to experiment.  I’ve added lime juice, a touch of chili powder and cumin, or substituted canned Chipotle  peppers for a smoky salsa.