Homemade Salsa: A Fresh and Flavorful Canned Delight
Canned salsa is a pantry staple, but nothing beats the taste of homemade salsa, bursting with fresh ingredients. This recipe allows you to capture the essence of summer in a jar, so you can enjoy the vibrant flavors of fresh salsa all year round.
Ingredients:
- 4 lbs ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped (adjust to your desired heat level)
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Canning jars and lids (sterilized)
- Funnel
- Ladle
- Jar tongs
Instructions:
- Prepare your ingredients: Wash and chop all vegetables. Remove seeds from jalapeño pepper for a milder salsa.
- Combine ingredients: In a large pot, combine tomatoes, onion, green pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the salsa: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the salsa has thickened slightly.
- Prepare the jars: Sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
- Fill the jars: Using a funnel and ladle, fill the sterilized jars with the hot salsa, leaving 1/2 inch headspace at the top.
- Wipe rims and seal: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to ensure they are clean. Securely screw on the sterilized lids.
- Process the jars: Place jars in a large pot filled with water, ensuring the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a boil and process the jars for 20 minutes.
- Let jars cool: Remove the jars from the pot and let them cool completely. You should hear a popping sound as the lids seal.
- Store and Enjoy: Once cool, store your homemade salsa in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Enjoy it on tacos, burritos, chips, or add it to your favorite recipes!
Tips:
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño pepper to your liking.
- Feel free to add other ingredients to the salsa, such as garlic, corn, or diced mangoes.
- When processing the jars, be sure to use a jar lifter to safely remove them from the boiling water.
- This recipe yields approximately 8 pint-sized jars of salsa.
Enjoy the taste of fresh, homemade salsa, canned with love!
