A Salsa Fresca, também conhecida como Pico de Gallo, é a celebração máxima dos ingredientes frescos e crus. Este molho vibrante e rústico é um pilar da cozinha mexicana, conhecido pela sua simplicidade e pelo seu sabor explosivo. É incrivelmente versátil, perfeito para servir com tortilhas, como cobertura para tacos e burritos, ou para dar vida a pratos de peixe e frango grelhados.

Ingredientes

  • 1 xícara de tomates vermelhos picados
  • ½ xícara de cebola roxa picada
  • 3 pimentos chipotle, picadas (ou use 1 jalapeno picado)
  • 1 dente de alho grande picado
  • ½ xícara de coentro picado
  • Suco de 1 limão
  • 2 colheres de sopa de azeite
  • Pitada de cominho
  • Sal marinho

Preparação

  1. Misture o tomate picado, cebola, pimenta, alho e coentro juntos na tigela.
  2. Regue com azeite e suco de limão.
  3. Adicione uma pitada de cominho e um pouco de sal marinho e mexa.

For a fresh taste of Mexico, here is the English version of the recipe.

Homemade Salsa Fresca

Salsa Fresca, or Pico de Gallo, translates to “fresh sauce” and is a staple in Mexican cuisine, celebrated for its simplicity and vibrant flavour. Unlike many cooked salsas, this version is an uncooked mixture of chopped raw ingredients, resulting in a wonderfully fresh, chunky texture and a bright taste that can elevate any dish. It is distinguished by its use of fresh, uncooked tomatoes, onions, chiles, and cilantro.

The key to an excellent Salsa Fresca is using high-quality, ripe ingredients. Firm, ripe tomatoes like Roma are often recommended as they have a lower water content, which helps prevent the salsa from becoming too watery. The recipe is also very adaptable; while this version suggests smoky chipotle peppers, you can easily substitute them with fresh jalapeños for a classic, sharper heat. For the best flavour, allow the salsa to sit for at least 20-30 minutes before serving to let all the individual flavours meld together beautifully.

This salsa is the perfect accompaniment to tortilla chips but also serves as a fantastic topping for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and grilled meats. Its clean, zesty profile provides a refreshing contrast to richer, heavier dishes.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chopped red tomatoes
  • ½ cup chopped red onion
  • 3 chipotle peppers, minced (or use 1 minced jalapeño)
  • 1 large clove of garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chopped cilantro
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Pinch of cumin
  • Sea salt

Method

  1. Mix the chopped tomato, onion, peppers, garlic, and cilantro together in a bowl.
  2. Drizzle with the olive oil and lime juice.
  3. Add a pinch of cumin and a little sea salt, then stir to combine.