Simple Spicy Salsa

Every Texan, I believe, ALWAYS keeps a jar of salsa in their frig. It’s as much a highly valued pantry staple as flour or sugar. Oh sure, there’s those that like to make their own from scratch. But I’ll bet ya, they store a back up jar in the back of the pantry.

But can you believe? Me, born and bred from Dallas, Texas (actually Garland or as my grandfather would say “Gawland”). Did not have one back up jar available the other day when I needed it! YIKES!

Oh WAIT A MINUTE…. Here’s a can of diced tomatoes with Chipotle Peppers, I can use it. Shew!

I’ll admit to you folks that I’m watching my spending these days. If I can get away with buying a store brand verses the larger name brand without sacrificing taste, I’ll do it. My local grocer carries Food Club products and this week I happened to have picked up some petite diced tomatoes with chipotle peppers for 69 cents. SOLD!

I’ve tried making salsa from canned tomatoes before, and didn’t really like the taste. Something was always missing; the smoky flavor mostly.

Well, Food Club got it right and their spicy tomatoes are delicious and full of flavor! All I really needed to add was a handful of cilantro and we were ready to eat!

HERE’S ALL IT TOOK FOR THE salsa

• 1 (15oz) can Food Club petite diced tomatoes with chipotle peppers
• handful of fresh cilantro; rinsed, thick stems removed

Drain about 1/3 to 1/2 of the liquid from the can. Pour tomatoes into a small food processor and place cilantro on top. Pulse for 20 to 30 seconds, just until there’s a happy medium of small chunks without it being pureed

We were all impressed that it didn’t taste like it came from a can. Since making it, I’ve poured it on top of my morning eggs, my afternoon nachos, and my dinner time bean burritos. I’ll hestitate buying another jar of salsa. I think I’ll just keep a can of these tomatoes in the pantry instead.