SALSA BETHOLA WHAT TO DO WITH ALL THOSE JUICY TOMATOES! Below are the basic ingredients of the salsa that I make every summer. I say "basic" because there's always plenty of room for you to change something you want more or less of. I'm a "mild salsa" person, so I don't put in as much jalapeno as someone else might. In the meantime, if you don't have the time to make salsa but have a bumper crop of veggies, why not take the extra to a local senior citizen group? The people there are so appreciative it will bring a tear to your eye. I was known as the "Tomato Lady." If someone saw me before I'd gotten to the All Purpose Room, you could hear him or her yell "The Tomato Lady's here!" And then I could barely get in the door. Take your kids with you and they'll make some friends, too! |
About 15 pounds fresh tomatoes in various stages of ripeness 3 large white onions, finely chopped 2 large green peppers, finely chopped 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro 2-3 jalapeno peppers (with seeds) finely minced 1 small jar minced garlic clove (in produce section of grocery store) 3-4 packets of dry taco seasoning Lowry's season salt to taste (optional ingredients: finely chopped tomatillos, chili powder or flakes, jabanero peppers) Note: Feel free to use fresh garlic if you wish. I'm just lazy and find it much easier and way less time consuming to use the stuff in a jar that is already minced. |
Put a large pot of water on to boil. Dunk and scald the tomatoes for about 30-45 seconds until their skins crack and start to peel away. Submerge the tomatoes in cold water. Peel the skin off, cut away stems and any bruises. Chop coarsely and place in large bowl with the rest of the ingredients. Mix thoroughly and adjust seasonings to your personal preference. Take note that it will take several hours for the flavors to blend together, so if you aren't sure about the taste, refrigerate the salsa for awhile, mixing occasionally. This mixture can be stored in the fridge for several weeks. It can also be frozen or canned. Please see a cookbook for canning directions. The salsa can also be used to replace tomatoes in soup, stew, meatloaf, etc. My favorite way to eat it is to just dunk Tostitos in and go to town! |
