Salsa Ranchera

Name: Salsa Ranchera
Yield: makes about 2 cups (8 or more servings)
Ingredients: 2 cups chopped flavorful tomatoes, or one 16-ounce can diced or stewed tomatoes, lightly drained; 1 small onion, quartered, optional; One 4-ounce can chopped mild green chilies or 1 to 2 fresh jalapeño peppers, seeded and coarsely chopped; Several sprigs fresh cilantro; 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juice, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

December 9, 2011

Store-bought salsas are generally quite good (I always have some on hand, both for using as a dip and as a shortcut to great flavor in recipes). However, for an occasional treat, nothing equals homemade salsa, especially one made with fresh tomatoes. Serve with tortilla chips or as a condiment with Mexican-style dishes.

Cooks' Note

The use of one jalapeño will result in a hot salsa, while two will make this fairly incendiary. Those with more experienced palates are free to use as many jalapeños as they’d like. Store remaining salsa in an airtight jar. This will keep for several days, but it’s best fresh.

Recipe notes

Classic French Bouillabaisse With Rouille

This flexible recipe is all you need to bring this iconic Provençal seafood stew to your table.

Salmon With Sizzled Nut Salsa

A savory-hot salsa made with mixed nuts (like the kind dubbed cocktail nuts meant for snacking) gives roast salmon a kaleidoscope of textures and flavors.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

Key Lime Pie Thumbprint Cookies

The classic dessert reimagined as a soft and chewy cookie with a buttery, brown-sugar-sweetened graham cracker dough and a silky lime custard filling.