Five-ingredient Pico de Gallo is a Cinco de Mayo winner
By: Sharon Rigsby -Blogger Tallahassee Democrat USA TODAY NETWORK – FLA.
(Photo by : Sharon Rigsby)
Pico de Gallo is perfect for a Cinco de Mayo party with fresh jalapeños and other bright ingredients.
Easy Homemade Pico de Gallo is “muy delicioso” and if you have the five ingredients, and five minutes to prepare it, you are in business. My authentic homemade Pico de Gallo recipe is full of all things good for you including tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, lime juice and cilantro.
You can’t go wrong with this Easy Homemade Pico de Gallo, also called Salsa Fresca or Salsa Crudo, whether you are planning a Cinco de Mayo party or just looking for a healthy, gluten-free and low-calorie dip or appetizer.
If you are wondering, Pico de Gallo is pronounced “PEE/koh theh GAH/yoh.” Pico means ‘beak’ and ‘gallo’ is Spanish for a ‘rooster’ – so it’s translated as ‘Rooster’s beak.’ According to Wikipedia, Pico de Gallo got its name because originally it was eaten with the thumb and forefinger, and retrieving and eating it resembled the actions of a pecking rooster.
You might also be wondering what the difference is between Pico de Gallo and salsa since the ingredients for both are nearly identical. Well, it turns out that the ingredients in salsa are finely diced and it has more liquid, which makes it soupier. The ingredients for Pico de Gallo, on the other hand, have a larger chop, and it has very little liquid.
Whatever you call it, homemade Pico de Gallo is a very versatile condiment and makes a quick, easy, and delicious topping for just about any Mexican or Southwestern food including tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, refried beans, or rice. It’s also delicious over poultry or fish, and I also always add Pico de Gallo to my guacamole and love to add it to salads.
For this Pico de Gallo recipe the five ingredients I told you about earlier are fresh tomatoes, onion, fresh cilantro (can substitute parsley), fresh lime juice, and fresh jalapeños.
Makes 3 cups
Ingredients:
1-1/2 lbs fresh tomatoes, seeded and chopped (about 4-5 medium-large tomatoes)
1 sweet onion, chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; you can substitute fresh parsley
3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped; you can substitute serrano chilies
Pinch of kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
To seed the tomatoes cut them in half horizontally and gently squeeze out the seeds and gelatinous matter surrounding them.
Place the chopped tomatoes, onion, cilantro (or parsley), lime juice, and jalapeños (or serrano chilies) in a large bowl and mix well.
Add a pinch of kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Homemade Pico de Gallo can be made ahead. Cover it and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
