Pico de Gallo

When you think of the Southwest you think FLAVOR! But flavor does not have to be calories, it can be done with some great combinations of fruits, herbs, and vegetables.

Here is a simple Pico de Gallo - and for that you need a few simple ingredients:

3 Jalapeño peppers
5 Locally grown tomatoes
1 small white onion or half of a large onion
1 bunch of cilantro
Small amount of Oregano leaves
1 lime
salt

This is great for tacos, it is also the basis for guacamole.

A better basis is to have your own garden for herbs and tomatoes and Jalapeño peppers! Having a lime and lemon tree also provides some great fresh citrus flavors.

The herb garden will provide the cilantro and oregano

Slicing the peppers gives a bit of heat. Its ok to let the seeds go into the mix- it can handle it

Turn the tomato wedge around and slice again

Slicing tomatoes is best with a serrated  knife. Cut it into wedges first

Onions are sliced like tomatoes, except using a better knife

Mixing all the ingredients into a bowl

Stir it up

Add a touch of salt to flavor

Add some lime

Now cut the cilantro and add this to the mix

Fresh Oregano- just a bit - adds to the flavor

This is a chunky Pico de Gallo. Some like it much smaller, some use a food processor- but I hate cleaning that up