Salsa is the Spanish word for sauce. And what exactly is salsa? Salsa is just about anything sliced and diced together with a tomato base that magically transforms into a delicious tasting concoction of ingredients. One can prepare their salsa recipe in many variations depending upon the guests being served and of course your individual taste. Some make it hot and some make it mild, the salsa can be smooth or chunky as well as tangy, tart or fruity. And if you are into heat the types of jalapenos used can turn the heat from extreme to volcanic in flavor.
Now when you think of salsa you also think of parties, a get together with friends, an appetizer before dinner or a snack which can be anytime or on game days. The next idea that pops into your head is chips. There are tortilla chips that are made from ground corn and so many new brands with flavors and different textures to scoop up that homemade goodness. Of course normal corn chips, potato chips and crackers can also work if that is what is on hand at the time. At times a healthier dipping source is requested and there are so many foods that meet that criterion. Try using slices green, yellow or red bell peppers, sliced carrots, ribs of celery, apple wedges or even zucchini cut lengthwise to gather up some salsa.
Try these saucy suggestions next time you feel the urge to savor the flavor of salsa:
- Take left over rice and beans and add some salsa to it. Dress it up with some spinach, collard greens, turnip greens or Swiss chard sautéed with garlic and create a new side dish.
- Add a little or a lot to any bean soup to bring out a new and exciting taste to a simple but nutritious soup.
- Instead of using toppings of crumpled bacon, butter or sour cream and chives upon a baked potato add some salsa and experience potatoes like never before.
- Prepare bruschetta as an appetizer before dinner without any work. Whether left over homemade salsa is ready or a jar in the pantry is handy it is easy to prepare this little snack. Just toast the sliced bread of choice and rub the tops with some garlic. Then add a dollop of salsa for a Mexican twist to this Italian treat.
- Chop some Mandarin oranges or ripe pineapple to the salsa, warm the mixture and use it to dress up pork chops, a pork loin roast or even filet of sole or a salmon dinner.
- Add a spoonful to the side of your breakfast plate when scrambled eggs are served in lieu of ketchup.
- Use salsa to top an omelet or a vegetable or egg and potato frittata.
- Include some in your breakfast, lunch or dinner wraps for a flavor booster.
- And last but certainly not least toss in a jar to a large pot of spaghetti sauce to really spice things up.
A great place for grocery shopping in Winona, MS is at the SuperValu.
The Leflore Farmers Market has a great selection and good prices on their locally grown and farm fresh produce.
Copyright 2011 Beverly Mucha / All Rights Reserved
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