Grandma's Traditional Salsa

[radshop]

No, not from my grandma. My coworker gave me this recipe from her grandma - the classic matriarchal Abuela. It's become my go-to, and now I add a few of my own tweaks. My friend told me that even grandma uses canned tomatoes through most of the year and fresh tomatoes only when they are in season - she thinks good canned tomatoes taste better than shelf-ripened. I tend to agree. Also, in their family, the salsa is typically medium spiciness, so it's just jalapenos for heat, nothing crazy. Grandma's not trying to put everybody on blast; there are other peppers and hot sauces if folks want to bring the heat.

Put the following in a blender or food processor, then blend to desired consistency.

• 1 large peeled, halved onion - boiled or steamed until a fork sinks in
• 2 to 4 jalapenos (to taste) boiled or steamed whole whole until soft, then stems removed
• 28 oz can of tomatoes or equivalent of boiled fresh tomatoes with skins removed
• Handful of cilantro
• 1 head of garlic
• 1 Tbsp salt (more or less to taste)
• 1 Tbsp sugar (more or less to taste)

My tweaks

• Add the juice of 1 lime before blending
• If I have them, I substitute fermented garlic cloves for fresh garlic
• I didn't get any info on whether grandma ferments hers, but I will leave this on the shelf until it's a little bubbly - probably will take 3-4 days

Renders approx. 3 pints - photo is a double batch. Note that sometimes right out of the blender it looks a little watery - don't drain off any liquid yet. A lot of water was wrung out by the blending, and usually it reabsorbs.

[barelfly]

Looks like some great salsa! Nice full flavor of garlic too!

[captainlee]

As a first impression that is a ton of garlic, but you would have to try it first before any criticism. Definitely looks fantastic.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

in my house it'd be a full head per jar

[radshop]

I've been making it for years - just finally got around to posting it. I like the amount of garlic, but one could certainly reduce it to taste. This is such a standard recipe, it makes a good base for any kind of variation, though I'm pretty boring/lazy and haven't tried a lot.

[bbqLuv]

home-made salsa for the win

[Duanessmokedmeats]

Trying it. Thanks!

[tamidw]

Thanks! It looks good.