Saturday, March 5, 2011

Make Salsa at Home...Salsa Aound The World

Salsa (combination of chiles, tomatoes and other spices) can be traced to the Aztecs, Mayans and Incas.   Today Salsas can be found in most regions of the world including Africa , South & North America, The Caribbean, Asia and The Middle East.
 The most popular way to serve a salsa is as a dip.  Here are a couple suggestions of what to serve with your Salsa...
Tortilla Chips
Available in a wide selection of flavors, from cheese-corn chips to fiery nachos, tortilla chips are the best accompaniment to tomato-based salsas.
Crudites
A selection of crunchy raw vegetables make delicious scoops for both creamy and spicy salsas.
Potato Skins
Crispy potato skins are great with creamy-cheese salsas or onion-based salsa.

SOUTH AMERICA
*Salsa Cruda*

INGREDIENTS
2 large tomatoes, roughly chopped
8 scallions, roughly chopped
2 fresh Jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped
3 tbs fresh Cilantro, chopped
1 tbs extra-virgin olive oil
juice from 1/2 lemon
salt & pepper, to taste
   Method: Place all ingredient in a large bowl and combine.  Season to taste, Cover & chill for at least 2 hours.


*Salsa Verde*


AFRICA
*Fresh Shrimp Salsa*
"This simple salsa makes a great snack.  If you have trouble finding palm oil, use vegetable oil and add 1tsp ground turmeric"

INGREDIENTS
2 tbs palm oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 fresh red chilies, seeded and chopped
4 garlic clove, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
10 oz small fresh shrimp, peeled
1/2 cup fresh Cilantro, chopped
juice of 1 lime
salt & pepper, to taste
1.  Heat oil in pan and saute onions, chilies and garlic until soft, about 5 minutes
2.  Stir in rest of ingredients and saute until shrimp turn pink,
3.  Season to taste and serve warm or at room temperature.

*Fried Plantain Salsa*

INGREDIENTS
2 large under-ripe plantains, cubed
vegetable oil for frying
2 tomatoes, diced
1 mango, peeled & diced
4 scallions, diced
For dressing
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tbs cider vinegar
2 tbs vegetable oil
1 tsp hot pepper sauce
salt & pepper, to taste
1.  Deep-fry plantain cubes until crisp and golden
2.  Whisk together dressing ingredients and season to taste
3.  Toss all ingredients together and serve


CARIBBEAN
*Hot Mango Salsa*

INGREDIENTS
1 tbs vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 fresh Jalapenos, seeded & finely chopped
2 ripe mangos, peeled & diced
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 tbs brown sugar
juice of 2 limes
salt & pepper, to taste
1.  Saute onion & jalapeno in veg-oil until soft.
2.  Add mango & tomato, cover and cook over low heat for 30 minutes
3.  Stir in lime juice & brown sugar and season to taste.
4.  Serve hot or cold

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