The term salsa is associated with a variety of different disheuces from all over the world. Although for the most part salsa is identified as particular variety of Mexican sa. Tomatoes are an integral part of authentic salsas although it has to be said that many salsas are made without the use of tomatoes. Chilli pepper and onions can be mixed with tomatoes depending on the type of salsa. There are also a variety of ways to prepare Mexican salsas. They can be cooked or served fresh. The ingredients can also be roasted, grilled, or sauteed first.
Salsa are often used as dips or as a side dish. The mild but flavorful tangy taste of authentic Mexican salsas balances the different flavors in Mexican dishes. Salsas have the unique ability to enhance or tone down the flavors of the popular Mexican dishes, for ex they can bring out the flavor in tortillas or tone down the strong flavor of cheese and ground meat.. Salsa offer health benefits too and this is one of the reasons why it is so popular.
It possesses some disease fighting substances and nutrients like phytochemicals and capsaicin that is induced by ingredients like tomatoes and pepper. Salsas have therefore thought of as healthy flavorful side dishes, appetizers, dips and toppings. Salsas are served along with most of the popular Mexican dishes like tortillas and with almost all meat and poultry preparations. Due to the enormous popularity of salsas, there are numerous variations to the original salsa recipes. Salsas are now made with various ingredients – various fruits, spices, herbs and even with artificial flavors.
Tomatoes and some other salsa ingredients were once prepared using a traditional Mexican mortar and pestle. These days lot of the work is done by food processors and blenders. It is a fact though that the use of mortar and pestle still brings out a distinctly strong aroma and taste that is different from using modern gadgets.
It is a common concept that Mexican salsas are very hot and spicy. So if you don’t like spicy food be wary of that and make changes accordingly. The authentic Mexican Salsas are actually not all that hot. You could consider adding a serrano and a couple of chilli peppers and that will be enough. Tomatillos which are used for Mexican salsa verde are often confused with or substituted with green unripe tomatoes. The two are not the same. Tomatillos are relatives of tomatoes but have a different genus. Green tomatillos may have a husk around them that feels much like paper. When used for green salsa, tomatillos produce a distinctly tart taste..
Many of the ingredients used to make salsa are often roasted in an open fire. These days majority of roasting is done using an outdoor grill or in the oven. Grilling your substances will also make it quicker for you to peel your ingredients. Do bear in mind though that you must not wash your tomatoes and peppers whilst peeling. The water can rinse away part of the flavor that has been derived through the grilling process.
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