Pico de Gallo, also known as salsa fresca or salsa cruda, is a fresh and vibrant Mexican condiment made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice. It’s a popular accompaniment to many Mexican dishes, such as tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and grilled meats. Here’s a basic recipe for Pico de Gallo:
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 large onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, finely chopped (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- Juice of 1-2 limes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Start by washing and preparing all the vegetables. Dice the tomatoes, chop the onion, cilantro, and jalapeños. If you’re using garlic, mince it finely.
- In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeños, and garlic.
- Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture. You can add more lime juice if you prefer a tangier flavor.
- Season the Pico de Gallo with salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Taste the Pico de Gallo and adjust the seasoning, lime juice, or spice level according to your preference.
- Allow the flavors to meld by refrigerating the Pico de Gallo for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve Pico de Gallo as a topping for tacos, nachos, or grilled meats. It can also be enjoyed with tortilla chips as a refreshing salsa.
Feel free to customize this basic recipe by adding other ingredients like diced avocado, mango, or cucumber for additional flavor and texture. Pico de Gallo is a versatile and easy-to-make condiment that adds a burst of freshness to your favorite dishes.
