Do you love Mexican cuisine ? How about a salad so simple and tasty in itself that when added to any other recipes and not predominantly Mexican, that it can just make that particular recipe a tad more healthier if not take it to a totally next level ? It is not only tummy friendly but also simply visually appealing provided you love colors .Moreover,this salad can be made in quickie with a few staple ingredients easily available at home and even can be refrigerated for a couple of days and guess what the taste just becomes more flavorful.
And that my dear friend is quite famously called "Pico de gallo " , A popular Mexican salad made with chopped fresh tomato,onion and chillies (Jalapeno/Serrano/Habenaro) especially and to give it an extra zing even lime/lemon juice,fresh cilantro are added and to make it real special,seafoods or tropical fruits are also added at times (As per Wikipedia).
Wikipedia says,it is also called Salsa Picada as it is considered to be a minced form of sauce and Salsa Bandera as it also has all the colors of the Mexican Flag,red (Tomato),white (White onion),Green(Chillies).
Do you know,what is the meaning of "Pico de Gallo" in English ?....Well, it means " Rooster's beak" as it is believed that originally people used to eat this salad pinching them between their thumb and forefinger (imagine a rooster's beak) (Source:Wikipedia) . No offense but what a funny correlation isn't it ?:D ....Interesting !!
I like Mexican dishes and my hubby loves it.If he is away from home on some official trip he would be the most loyal customer of the famous Mexican restaurants of US like "Chipotle" or "Qudoba" especially than Indian foods (as they are heavy and oily comparatively ) .The reason being if chosen properly Mexican foods can be quite healthy ((as they are full of fresh raw vegetables) yet spicy ...just what we love to eat !! And that is the reason I am trying my hands on Mexican dishes too and when it can be made quickly ,I am all in .What do you say ? Want to know how to make this quick Mexican salad ...Well,Here's how...........
Pico De Gallo
Serving: 4
Ingredients
Tomatoes,Large,chopped - 1and 1/2 nos.
White Onion, chopped -1/2 no.
Fresh Cilantro,chopped - 1-2 tablespoons
Jalapeno,chopped - 1 no.
Lime/Lemon juice to taste
Salt to taste
Method:
- Combine chopped tomatoes,onion ,Jalapeno and fresh cilantro mix well.Pour lemon juice as desired and finally sprinkle salt to taste. Toss everything well.Adjust everything as you wish.
- Pico de Gallo is ready to be served.
- If you don't want the spicy version,omit the jalapeno or any other chili.
- Use lime/lemon juice fresh not the concentrated one.Taste will differ.
- There are many variations but this recipe was shared by a local chef when I visited Cancun last year.
- If this is allowed to sit for a while/refrigerated ,the flavor will enhance .
- Enjoy it as it is with chips or add to tacos,burritos,or any main course as a side side dish.
Eat,love,live deliciously,
