Basil Salsa Recipes

FRESH BASIL TOMATO SALSA

Steps:

• Slice the tomatoes in half lengthwise. Remove and discard the seeds and pulp. Chop the tomatoes into small pieces and place them in a large bowl.
• Stack 3-4 basil leaves on top of each other. Roll them up from one of the long sides, then slice through the roll horizontally with a knife. Run your knife once or twice through these ribbons of basil, then add them to the bowl. Repeat with the rest of the basil leaves.
• Finely mince the garlic cloves by hand or in a food processor, and add them to the bowl. Add in the oil, salt, and pepper. Gently toss the ingredients together.
• The salsa can be served immediately or allowed to sit at room temperature for about 1 hour for the flavors to meld.
• Serve the salsa with tortilla or pita chips. It can also be served on bite-sized pieces of artisan sourdough or white bread-if desired, sprinkle a little mozzarella or grated Parmesan cheese over the tops and place them under the broiler for about a minute, then serve them immediately.
• Makes about 4 cups of salsa

THE BEST FRESH TOMATO SALSA

Steps:

• Stir the tomatoes, green bell pepper, onion, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeno pepper, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Serve.

BASIC HERB SALSA

Steps:

• Combine parsley, zest, salt and olive oil in a medium mixing bowl. Use a rasp grater to finely grate garlic into the bowl. Stir to combine.
• Just before serving, stir in vinegar. Taste and adjust salt and acid as needed. (Acid will dull the vibrant flavor and color of the herbs over time, so if you plan to store some of the sauce for future use, add acid to only the portion you're using. Sauce, without vinegar, will keep in the refrigerator up to 2 days; bring to room temperature before using.)

THE BEST CANNING SALSA

Steps:

• Combine tomatoes, onions, vinegar, tomato paste, green bell peppers, red bell peppers, banana peppers, sugar, garlic, pickling salt, and black pepper in a large stockpot; bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 30 minutes. Mix cilantro into salsa.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack salsa into hot, sterilized jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 35 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.

CANTALOUPE BASIL SALSA

Steps:

• Toss together all ingredients in a bowl and let stand, covered and chilled, 10 minutes.

BASIL SALSA

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients together in a bowl.
• Cover and chill several hours in the refrigerator.
• Serve.

TOMATO-BASIL SALSA

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients in large bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

SALSA ROJA

Steps:

• Combine 1 large white onion, halved, 4 medium plum tomatoes (about 12 oz.), halved, 1-2 serrano chiles, 4 garlic cloves, and 3 oz. dried ancho, guajillo, and/or pasilla chiles, stems and seeds removed, in a medium saucepan, using fresh vegetables to weigh down dried chiles. Pour in water just to cover. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Cover and let sit until dried chiles are rehydrated and fresh vegetables are softened, 20-25 minutes.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer vegetables to a blender; reserve soaking liquid. Add ½ bunch cilantro, tough stems trimmed, coarsely chopped, juice of 1 lime, 1½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1 tsp. Morton kosher salt, ½ tsp. ground cumin, ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon, and 1 cup reserved soaking liquid. Blend, starting on low speed and gradually increasing to high, until smooth, about 2 minutes. Taste salsa and add more salt if needed.