Anyone who has been to a Mexican restaurant knows pico de gallo. The yummy fresh tomato based condiment lifts the taste of chips, burritos, eggs and burgers. Really it makes everything and anything better.
Pico de gallo literally translated means "rooster's beak." Recipes vary but all include chopped tomato, onion, cilantro (aka coriander) and lime juice. If you like a little spice add jalapeño or green chiles. My version is non-spicy but uber tasty, if I do say so myself. And even better is that it can be made in less than five minutes.
So here goes......chop tomatoes being sure to reserve juices and seeds. I think they add taste and texture. Generally I use the roma variety because they are meatier but any ripe tomato will do.
Next chop onions. They should be more finely chopped than the tomatoes. To get an idea please see the photo above. The onions should equal half the amount of tomatoes. If you like a stronger onion flavor chop away.
Next chop cilantro to half the amount of onion. Cilantro leaves are great but include a few stems too. They tend be very fragrant. Again, if you love cilantro add more. Just keep in mind too much cilantro can be hard on the tummy.
Finally, it is time for the lime. I add about 1 tablespoon per cup of solid ingredients. To finish up mix all ingredients. I like to allow the pico de gallo to stew in it's own juices for about 15 minutes before serving. At this time you can taste to make sure you have the right mix of flavors.
Pico de gallo is best fresh and sadly doesn't keep well. So eat up. And remember pico de gallo is all veggies which means it is a healthy. So put it on anything and everything.
Enjoy!
Give me pico de gallo and some fresh tortillas, and I promise to leave you alone for at least five minutes (or as fast as I can eat it). I love pico de gallo! Now I'm hungry.
Posted by: Erin | April 13, 2009 at 07:51 AM
yum. I am adding it to my supermarket list! (next to the brownie mix for my brownie-waffles)
Posted by: medea | April 13, 2009 at 10:47 AM