Canning Salsa with Cherry Tomatoes: A Flavorful Summer Treat
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, vibrant salsa, and what better way to savor the season's bounty than by canning your own? This recipe focuses on the sweet and juicy flavor of cherry tomatoes, creating a salsa that's perfect for topping tacos, burritos, or even adding a kick to your next grilled cheese sandwich.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds cherry tomatoes (about 4 cups)
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to your desired spice level)
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Wash and chop the cherry tomatoes.
- Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and finely chop the jalapeño.
- Finely chop the cilantro.
2. Combine the Salsa:
- In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, onion, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
3. Can the Salsa:
- Sterilize Jars: Wash jars and lids in hot soapy water. Place jars in a large pot filled with water and bring to a boil for 10 minutes. This sterilizes the jars and ensures safe storage.
- Pack the Jars: Carefully pour the salsa into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace at the top.
- Process the Jars: Using a jar lifter, carefully place the jars in a water bath canner. Make sure the jars are fully submerged in water by at least 1 inch. Bring the water to a boil, then process for 20 minutes.
- Remove and Cool: After processing, remove the jars from the canner and let them cool completely on a clean kitchen towel.
4. Store and Enjoy:
- Once cooled, check the lids to ensure they have sealed properly.
- Store your canned salsa in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Tips:
- For a smoother salsa, lightly crush the cherry tomatoes before adding them to the bowl.
- To adjust the spiciness, use more or fewer jalapeños.
- Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, parsley, or basil.
- This recipe can be adapted to make a larger batch. Just be sure to adjust the processing time accordingly.
Enjoy your homemade cherry tomato salsa! This recipe is a delicious and satisfying way to preserve the flavors of summer for the rest of the year.
