Sassy Spicy Salsa

Author: Jaime

Recipe type: Appetizer, Dips

Cuisine: Mexican

Serves: 6 quarts

I have been making this Salsa for over 30 years. Sometimes I make up a small fresh batch but the majority of the time I prepare it for canning. I can never seem to make enough for my family and friends but I certainly take advantage of the bounty my gardens provide each year and I try to make enough to keep everyone happy. All recipes are pretty accurate but I have been doing this for so long that I often wing it and rarely measure. Somehow it always works.

• 8 cups tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
• 2½ cups onions, chopped
• 1½ cups green peppers, chopped
• 1 cup Jalapano peppers, finely chopped (remove seeds and pith if you like it mild)
• 2 stalks celery, sliced super thin
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced
• ⅛ cup canning or kosher salt
• ⅓ cup sugar
• ⅓ cup vinegar (I use apple cider vinegar)
• 2 tbs. lime juice (about the juice of one nice lime)
• 2 tbs. finely chopped cilantro (more or less to taste)
• 1 tsp. lime zest
• 2 tsp. cumin
• 2 tsp. black pepper

1. Mix together all ingredients in large non-reactive pot (stainless steel is perfect). Bring to a boil and simmer for about 30 mins. I generally simmer for about an hour to reduce the water from the Salsa. If it appears that it is not thickening enough, you can add a can of tomato paste if you like it thicker.
2. Carefully ladle the hot Salsa into sterilized hot jars. Leave about ¼ inch head space. Wipe lids of jars clean, place lid on and tighten the screw band finger tight.
3. Process in boiling water for 15-20 mins., making sure the jars have at least an inch of water covering them.
4. This recipe is for a medium hot chunky salsa. Adjust it for heat and or smoothness.
5. I generally get about 6 quarts. You can double it if you like or even half it.

Notes

Just had to add this. My daughter-in-law just recently told me she added about a half a jar of this salsa to her chile recipe and she said it was a big hit with all 6 of her children. I’ll have to try that. The kids never cease to amaze me. So glad I could please them.