Lauren's Salsa Picante

I really wanted chips and salsa and usually I would have just bought a jar of pre-made salsa, but it's SOOOO not healthy. This recipe makes approximately 40 oz. of finished (cooked) salsa which is perfect, and it is just about the healthiest salsa you'll ever have! It takes some work, but it's worth it.

Prep Time: approx. 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1-2 hours (for reduction)



Ingredients:

6 medium, fresh tomatoes(diced)

2 medium, yellow onions (diced)

2 large, green bell peppers (diced)

6 ripe serrano peppers (use only 3 if you want Mild salsa; finely diced)

3 garlic cloves (minced)

1/4 cup fresh cilantro

4 tbsp. distilled white vinegar

1/2 tsp. ground sea salt

2 tsp. organic cane sugar

1 tsp. ground cumin



Directions:

1. Fill medium pot with water, place on stove @ high heat;

2. Fill medium mixing bowl with the coldest water you can get (preferably ice water);

3. De-stem the tomatoes with a paring knife, and cut an 'X' into the bottom of each one so that the incisions end just under the skin;

4. Submerge prepped tomatoes into boiling water for 15 seconds, remove, and immediately submerge them in ice water; (this is the easiest way to de-skin them)

5. De-skin the tomatoes--start at the 'X' and peel;

6. Dice tomatoes and place into emptied and dried med. pot;

7. Dice onions, bell peppers, garlic (mince), serranos, and cilantro; add to pot;

8. Add vinegar, sea salt, cumin and cane sugar; mix well;

9. Simmer to reduce to desired consistency.



Nutritional Info: (for entire recipe; NOT per serving)



Calories: 342

Fat: 0

Cholesterol: 0

Carbohydrates: 74g

Fiber: 13g

Protein: 13g

Sugar: 39g

Potassium: 2250mg

Vitamin A: 132% RDV

Vitamin C: 458% RDV

Iron: 21% RDV

Calcium: 10%RDV

Sodium: 856



I had one bite of this salsa before putting it on the stove, and it was AMAZING even then!!!!! I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.