Name: Blender Salsa: The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Salsa
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 3 cups
Ingredients: 1 (28 ounce) can of whole peeled tomatoes, undrained; 1/2 white onion, roughly chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and roughly chopped (depending on desired heat); 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, packed; 1 lime, juiced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Blender Salsa: Forget everything you thought you knew about store-bought salsa! We're about to embark on a flavor journey that will redefine your chip-dipping experience forever. Imagine a vibrant, fresh, and perfectly textured salsa, bursting with the sun-ripened flavors of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and just the right amount of fiery kick. That's exactly what you'll get with this incredibly easy blender salsa recipe.

Salsa, meaning "sauce" in Spanish, has a rich history deeply intertwined with the culinary traditions of Latin America. From its humble beginnings as a simple blend of tomatoes and chilies, it has evolved into a diverse and beloved condiment enjoyed worldwide. Different regions boast their own unique variations, each reflecting the local ingredients and culinary preferences.

What makes salsa so universally appealing? It's the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the tomatoes, the sharpness of the onions, the herbaceousness of the cilantro, and the heat of the peppers all come together in perfect harmony. Plus, it's incredibly versatile! Enjoy it with tortilla chips, as a topping for tacos and grilled meats, or even as a flavorful addition to your morning eggs. This blender salsa is quick, easy, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to ditch the jarred stuff and embrace the fresh, vibrant flavors of homemade!

Ingredients:

1 (28 ounce) can of whole peeled tomatoes, undrained
1/2 white onion, roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 jalapeños, seeded and roughly chopped (depending on desired heat)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, packed
1 lime, juiced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Preparing the Salsa:

First, let's get our ingredients ready. Open the can of whole peeled tomatoes. Don't drain them! We want all that delicious tomato juice for the salsa. Roughly chop half of a white onion. It doesn't need to be perfect, the blender will take care of it.
Next, mince two cloves of garlic. If you don't have a garlic press, just chop them as finely as you can. The smaller the pieces, the better the flavor will distribute throughout the salsa.
Now, for the jalapeños. This is where you control the heat! I usually use one jalapeño for a mild salsa and two for a medium kick. Remember to remove the seeds and membranes, as that's where most of the heat resides. Roughly chop the jalapeño(s) after seeding. Be careful not to touch your eyes after handling jalapeños! Wash your hands thoroughly.
Grab a half cup of fresh cilantro. I like to pack it tightly into the measuring cup to get an accurate amount. No need to chop it beforehand, the blender will do the work.
Squeeze the juice from one lime. Fresh lime juice is key to a bright and flavorful salsa. If you don't have a lime, you can substitute with a tablespoon of lime juice from a bottle, but fresh is always best.

Blending the Salsa:

Now it's time to bring everything together in the blender. Add the undrained canned tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, seeded and chopped jalapeño(s), packed cilantro, lime juice, cumin, salt, and sugar (if using) to the blender.
Pulse the blender a few times to get things started. Then, blend on low speed until the salsa reaches your desired consistency. I prefer a slightly chunky salsa, so I usually blend for about 15-20 seconds. If you like a smoother salsa, blend for a longer time. Be careful not to over-blend, or the salsa will become too watery.
Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, cumin, or lime juice to suit your taste. If it's too acidic, add a pinch more sugar. If it's not spicy enough, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce.

Chilling and Serving:

Pour the salsa into a container with a lid. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it chills, the better it will taste! I often make this salsa a few hours ahead of time or even the day before serving.
Before serving, give the salsa a good stir. The ingredients may have settled a bit during chilling.
Serve with your favorite tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, or grilled meats. This salsa is also delicious as a topping for eggs, salads, or baked potatoes.

Tips and Variations:

Spice Level: As mentioned earlier, you can adjust the heat of the salsa by using more or fewer jalapeños, or by using a different type of pepper altogether. Serrano peppers are a good option for a hotter salsa. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Tomato Variety: While canned whole peeled tomatoes are the easiest and most consistent option, you can also use fresh tomatoes. If using fresh tomatoes, you'll need about 2 pounds. Core and roughly chop the tomatoes before adding them to the blender. You may also want to peel them first, but that's optional.
Adding Other Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with adding other vegetables to your salsa. Roasted red peppers, corn, or black beans are all delicious additions. If adding roasted red peppers, simply chop them and add them to the blender along with the other ingredients. If adding corn or black beans, you may want to add them after blending, so they don't get completely pulverized.
Sweetness: Some people like to add a touch of sweetness to their salsa. If you prefer a sweeter salsa, you can add a tablespoon of honey or agave nectar.
Smoked Paprika: For a smoky flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the blender.
Cilantro Haters: If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley or omit it altogether.
Storage: This salsa will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. Be sure to store it in an airtight container.
Freezing: You can also freeze this salsa for longer storage. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still be good.
Onion Options: While I prefer white onion in this recipe, you can also use yellow onion or red onion. Red onion will give the salsa a slightly sharper flavor.
Garlic Options: Fresh garlic is always best, but if you don't have any on hand, you can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Lime Juice Substitute: If you don't have lime juice, you can use lemon juice as a substitute. However, lime juice is preferred for its distinct flavor.
Serving Suggestions: This salsa is incredibly versatile. Serve it with tortilla chips as an appetizer, use it as a topping for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas, or add it to your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes. It's also great with grilled chicken, fish, or steak. You can even use it as a base for soups or stews.
Making it Ahead: This salsa is best when made ahead of time, as the flavors have time to meld together. I recommend making it at least 30 minutes before serving, but it's even better if you can make it a few hours or even a day in advance.
Adjusting Consistency: If your salsa is too thick, add a little bit of water or tomato juice to thin it out. If it's too thin, add a little bit more tomato paste or chopped tomatoes.
Using a Food Processor: If you don't have a blender, you can also use a food processor to make this salsa. The process is the same, but you may need to pulse the food processor a few more times to get the desired consistency.

Conclusion:

This Blender Salsa recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire. Why? Because it delivers an explosion of fresh, vibrant flavors in mere minutes, with minimal effort. Forget those bland, store-bought salsas that taste like they've been sitting on a shelf for weeks. This homemade version is bursting with the taste of ripe tomatoes, zesty lime, and just the right amount of heat. It's the kind of salsa that makes you want to grab a bag of tortilla chips and settle in for a serious snacking session. But the appeal of this recipe goes beyond just its incredible taste. It's also incredibly versatile. While it's fantastic served simply with tortilla chips, its uses extend far beyond that. Imagine spooning it over grilled chicken or fish for a burst of fresh flavor. Picture it topping your favorite tacos or burritos, adding a layer of delicious complexity. Or consider using it as a base for a flavorful chili or soup. The possibilities are truly endless! And speaking of versatility, don't be afraid to experiment with variations to make this Blender Salsa your own. If you prefer a milder salsa, simply reduce the amount of jalapeño or remove the seeds and membranes before adding it to the blender. For a smokier flavor, try grilling the tomatoes and onions before blending. If you're feeling adventurous, add a handful of roasted corn kernels or a diced mango for a touch of sweetness. You could even incorporate different types of peppers, like serranos or habaneros, for an extra kick. The beauty of this recipe is that it's incredibly adaptable to your personal preferences. Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:

Serving Suggestions:

Classic Chips and Salsa: The quintessential pairing! Serve with your favorite tortilla chips for a simple and satisfying snack.
Taco Topping: Elevate your tacos with a generous spoonful of this fresh salsa.
Grilled Meat Accompaniment: Add a burst of flavor to grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
Breakfast Upgrade: Top your scrambled eggs or omelets with this salsa for a zesty start to your day.
Nachos Supreme: Take your nachos to the next level with a generous drizzle of this homemade salsa.

I'm confident that once you try this recipe, you'll be hooked. It's quick, easy, and delivers an unparalleled flavor experience. So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, and fire up that blender! I promise you won't be disappointed. And most importantly, I'd love to hear about your experience! Did you try any variations? What did you serve it with? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Let's create a community of salsa lovers and inspire each other with our culinary creations. Happy blending! I can't wait to see what delicious creations you come up with using this amazing Blender Salsa recipe. Don't be shy, let me know how it turns out!