this is my go-to salsa recipe, courtesy of my aunt, who lived in tucson for around 20 years. fresh tomato, lime and cilantro, and just enough heat – to me it’s the perfect salsa. i don’t know if it’s somebody else’s recipe or if she developed this herself, but i finally got it in written form a few years back and have been making it every chance i get.

ingredients:

(1) 24 oz. can whole peeled tomatoes (i like the san marzano brand)

(3) scallions, both white and green parts

(1) chile, either serrano or jalepeño*

(1) red chile*

big handful of cilantro

zest + juice of 1 lime

salt & pepper

*i add all the seeds from the chiles – leave them out if you don’t want your salsa too spicy

START: rough chop the cilantro, chiles and scallions

NEXT: toss into the blender (i use my vitamix and it’s perfect every time). add the entire can of tomatoes, the lime zest and juice, and salt & pepper to taste. 3-4 quick pulses should do it. done.

LAST: serve with anything.

(photos by laurakinsey)