Homemade Salsa

Ingredients

• 3 large ripe tomatoes, diced or 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes with their juice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, seeds and veins removed, and minced
• 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chiles with juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fried Tortilla Chips, recipe follows

Other ingredients you may want to add:

• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 large avocado, peeled and diced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 mango, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 2 limes, juiced

Directions

Combine all ingredients, and any extra ingredients you may want to add, in a large glass bowl. Stir well with a spoon. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until serving time.

Serve with Fried Tortilla Chips.

Fried tortilla chips:

• 8 fresh corn tortillas
• Oil, for frying
• House Seasoning, to taste, recipe follows

Arrange the tortillas in a stack and cut into 6 equal wedges. Pour about 1-inch of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat to 350 degrees F on a deep-fat frying thermometer. Fry just a few at a time, turning occasionally, until crisp and lightly browned, about 1 minute. Drain on paper towels; sprinkle lightly with salt, if desired. Store in an airtight container.

Yield: 3 to 5 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 minute

House Seasoning:

• 1 cup salt
• 1/4 cup black pepper
• 1/4 cup garlic powder

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.