basil salt... #recipe

basil salt... #recipe, a photo by credd on Flickr.

Pulse ½ cup kosher salt and ½ cup packed basil leaves in a food processor.
Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 225 until dry, 30-40 minutes, tossing halfway through.
Let cool and pulse again.
 
Serve w/fresh tomatoes and mozzarella.

chips. salsa. vodka tonic. football.

chips. salsa. vodka tonic. football., a photo by credd on Flickr.

when i look at all the tomatoes i've been picking every day...
i try to use them in different recipes.

today i wanted a salsa...
and found gloria's authentic salsa recipe.

 

***


  Ingredients -

• 6-8 large Roma tomatoes (about 2 pounds) OR 1-28 ounce can(s) of whole tomatoes, drained
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
• 2-3 hot peppers (see tips), seeded and halved
• 1/2-1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (aka coriander or Chinese parsley), to taste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• ground pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, optional
• juice of one lemon or lime, optional

Instructions -

1. If using fresh tomatoes, add ½ inch of water to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Core and halve tomatoes and set them, cut side up, in the skillet.*
2. Simmer for several minutes, or until water evaporates and tomatoes start to soften. Quickly peel the tomatoes; skins will be loose and easy to remove.
3. Toss tomatoes and hot peppers into a blender along with cilantro. Blend.
4. Lightly sauté onions and garlic for about 10 seconds.
5. Add blended tomato mixture to the skillet with the onions and garlic and give it a stir.
6. Season with salt and ground pepper to taste. Add cumin if desired.
7. Simmer on medium-low for about 15 minutes, or until salsa is reduced and thick.
8. You can add the juice of a fresh lime or lemon at this point, but be aware it will temper the spiciness.
9. Serve with tortilla chips, enchiladas, tacos, scrambled eggs, etc.

Makes about 3 cups of homemade salsa

*Note: If using canned tomatoes, skip steps 1 & 2.

***what is listed above is the original recipe.  i made a 1/2 batch of the salsa...using an assortment of medium-sized tomatoes from my garden.