Salsa de Chapulines with a Twist

Ingredients

• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced (800g / 1.76 lbs) 4 ripe tomatoes, diced (800g / 1.76 lbs)
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped (100g / 3.5 oz) 1 small red onion, finely chopped (100g / 3.5 oz)
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (15g / 0.5 oz) 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (15g / 0.5 oz)
• Juice of 2 limes Juice of 2 limes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5g) 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5g)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1g) 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1g)
• 1/4 cup chapulines (grasshoppers), toasted (10g / 0.35 oz) 1/4 cup chapulines (grasshoppers), toasted (10g / 0.35 oz)

Nutrition

• Calories: 45 kcal / 188 kJ
• Fat: 1g (Saturated Fat: 0g)
• Carbohydrates: 8g (Sugar: 4g)
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, jalapeño pepper, and fresh cilantro.
2. 2.
   Squeeze the juice of two limes over the mixture and season with salt and black pepper.
3. 3.
   Gently fold in the toasted chapulines, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the salsa.
4. 4.
   Allow the flavors to meld together by refrigerating the salsa for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. 5.
   Serve chilled and enjoy with tortilla chips, tacos, or as a flavorful accompaniment to your favorite dishes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chapulines — Ensure that the chapulines are toasted before adding them to the salsa. This can be done by heating a dry skillet over medium heat and toasting the chapulines for a few minutes until they become crispy. Be sure to remove any wings or legs before adding them to the salsa.

Tips & Tricks

• If you can't find chapulines, you can substitute them with toasted pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.
• Adjust the spiciness of the salsa by adding more or fewer jalapeño peppers according to your preference.
• For a smoky flavor, you can roast the tomatoes and jalapeño pepper before dicing them and adding them to the salsa.
• To make the salsa more vibrant, you can add a small amount of finely diced red bell pepper for additional color and sweetness.
• Experiment with different herbs such as mint or parsley to add a unique twist to the salsa.

Serving advice

Serve the salsa in a colorful bowl or a traditional Mexican molcajete to enhance the presentation. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange a platter of tortilla chips around the salsa bowl, creating an inviting display. You can also serve the salsa alongside a variety of Mexican dishes, such as tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats, to create a vibrant and flavorful spread.