I decided to make a batch of salsa for the winter. I have to say it was delicious. I canned this batch, but it's delicious served fresh. I thought it would be a great dish during the holidays while watching movies or entertaining, and wanted to share my recipe. I used ingredients from my garden to make this batch, but you find the ingredients at your local grocery or Farmer's Market. They're usually open during the holiday season and still have fresh produce.
Ingredients:
- 5 - 6 lbs. tomatoes skinned and chopped (I used whatever variety I had that was ripe. I suggest allowing them to drain in a colander after chopping to get rid of some of the water). Check out your local farmer's market for fresh home grown tomatoes.
- 3 cups chopped onion (I used yellow, red and white from my garden)
- 1 1/4 cup chopped pepper (I like my salsa spicy so I used a combination of chili, jalapeno, and belle)
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons garlic
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
Combine all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. I like mine chunky, but if you like yours cooked down more, cook longer. Water batch for 15 minutes if you're canning. Makes about 8 pints. This salsa is delicious served fresh too. I only managed 7 pints, I couldn't resist eating it while I was trying to get it into the jars.
Grow your own tomatoes, peppers and onions next season. You don't need a large area, you can grow them in paint buckets or tubs on your patio, balcony or deck. I will doing a post on how you can start your seed inside to give you a head start on the growing season and planting your tomatoes in a small growing area in March. Stay tuned.
