Bless Your Spoon

By Stephanie Williams Dean

 

Straight from the garden, vegetables, fruits, herbs, and chiles now dance together in fresh salsas.

While salsa typically refers to a combination of fresh tomatoes, onions, and chiles – combinations of this versatile condiment are endless.

Now a mixture of raw veggies, herbs, chili peppers, and fruits, don’t be surprised to see some cooked versions of salsa as well.  Straight out of your garden, any vegetable, herb, and chili pepper combines with any fruit as well – there ’s no limit to the combinations one can combine. Use the salsas to add flavor to any meat or fresh vegetable, as a spread for sandwiches or to give a kick to beans. Spoonfuls of fresh salsa can be added to any southern casserole or simply used as a topping for a different twist.

The number of ways to use this condiment is only limited by your creativity.

ORANGE TOMATO SALSA

3 peeled, seeded, diced oranges, pith removed

1 ½ cups seeded, chopped tomatoes,

¼ cup minced red onion

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

2 Tbsp. fresh orange juice

2 tsp. minced garlic

2 tsp. balsamic vinegar

1 tsp. peeled, minced, fresh ginger

1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

In a mixer, combine all ingredients. Chill.

WATERMELON SALSA

3 cups seeded, chopped watermelon

1 cup seeded, chopped melon or cantaloupe

1 medium peeled, seeded, chopped cucumber

½ cup chopped red onion

¼ cup chopped fresh mint

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh ginger

2 Tbsp. seeded, minced jalapeno chilies

¼ cup fresh lime juice

2 Tbsp. light brown sugar

In a mixer, combine all ingredients. Chill

CORN AND LIME SALSA

6 cups fresh or frozen, thawed corn kernels

1 cup chopped onion

1 ½ Tbsp. seeded, minced jalapeno chili

½ cup fresh, chopped cilantro

½ cup olive oil

¼ cup lime juice

Salt and freshly ground pepper

In a saucepan, cook corn 2 minutes or until tender. In a mixer, combine all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. Chill.

BEETS WITH ORANGE SALSA

2 boiled, peeled, cubed beets

1 peeled, cubed orange, pith removed

1 cup fresh red onion

2 Tbsp. olive oil

2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

2 Tbsp. honey

Salt and freshly ground pepper

Cook beets until tender and cool. In a mixer, combine all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. Chill.

QUICK CORN SALSA

1 cup chunky, purchased salsa

1/3 cup fresh or frozen, thawed corn

2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro

Salt and freshly ground pepper

In a saucepan, cook corn 2 minutes or until tender. In a mixer, combine all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. Chill.

QUICK AVOCADO TOMATO SALSA

15 oz. jar chunky, purchased salsa

1 medium, diced avocado

3 Tbsp. fresh chopped cilantro

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 Tbsp. lime juice

Salt and freshly ground pepper

In a mixer, combine all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. Chill.

TOMATO AVOCADO SALSA

2 large, peeled, pitted, cubed avocados

1 medium diced tomato

2 Tbsp. fresh, chopped cilantro

1 tsp. minced serrano chilies

¼ cup minced onion

1 Tbsp. lime juice

Salt and freshly ground pepper

In a mixer, combine all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. Chill.

SALSA VERDE

1 cup fresh, chopped parsley

1/3 cup fresh, chopped tarragon

1 Tbsp. fresh chopped thyme leaves

1 Tbsp chopped shallot

2 Tbsp. chopped capers

½ tsp. chopped garlic

½ cup prepared horseradish

1 ½ Tbsp. white wine vinegar

Salt and freshly ground pepper

In a mixer, combine all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. Chill.

OLIVE AND TOMATO SALSA

1 ½ cups seeded, diced tomatoes

12 Kalamata olives

¼ cup fresh, chopped basil

2 Tbsp. capers

2 minced garlic cloves

1 chopped shallot

6 Tbsp. olive oil

Salt and freshly ground pepper.

In a mixer, combine all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. Chill.

HERBED TOMATO SALSA

4 fresh tomatoes

¼ cup fresh, chopped basil

2 Tbsp. fresh, chopped marjoram

1 minced shallot

2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

1 Tbsp. olive oil

Salt and freshly ground pepper

In a mixer, combine all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. Chill.