salsa in 5 minutes

We are so spoiled around here. We really hate jarred (cooked) salsa - especially when it is so easy to make. For this quick method we use the food processor that is kept on the counter. If you do have one, or it is in the back of your cabinet, you can just hand chop it.  Into the processor, throw:

grape tomatoes/rough chopped garden tomatoes (1/2 - 3/4 full)
lemon juice
little hunk of red onion
cilanto leaves (we use a whole bunch, because we love it)
jalepeno (take the seeds out to enjoy the freshness without the heat)

We do not add salt because it just does not seem to need it. Many times you can substitute lemon or vinegar and never miss the salt. Plus, if you are eating it with chips, they are loaded with sodium.

Pulse for a bit until it is the chunkyness you like.

That is it! Eat with chips, on fish or chicken, with some beans and rice - whatever! It is fat and salt free and adds huge flavor to your plate.

gazpacho

This is my adapted gazpacho recipe. It is inspired by Mollie Katzen’s version in Moosewood Cookbook (which is probably my favorite cookbook ever). I have experimented with all sorts of combinations of blending and chopping and found this to be the best. It is very versatile- taste along the way and add or subtract anything. I don’t add any salt because it breaks the veggies down too fast. I sprinkle sel de mer right before I eat it. This is the perfect summer/fall food and most kids seem to like it too.

Store it in jars in the fridge and grab one when you are running errands - better than the flu shot!

Amy’s Gazpacho

6 tomatoes

1-2 cucumbers (peeled and seeded)

1/3 vidalia onion

1-2 clove of garlic

green bell pepper

red bell pepper

honey

cumin

cayenne

olive oil

fresh herbs (I like to use tarragon, basil and parsley)

blend all but one or two of the tomatoes in blender or food processor until smooth (also, if you have extra red bell pepper puree one of those to add to the “stock”). Pour into a huge bowl. Finely hand chop the remaining tomato, cucumber, onion, garlic, bell peppers and throw them in the bowl. Add a couple of glugs of olive oil, a splash of something acidic (lemon juice or a mild vinegar), some chopped up basil, tarragon and parsley, a wee bit of honey, a shake of cumin and cayenne. Let chill if you can bear it and eat it up! This is pure nectar from the gods and will make you healthy and happy!