Last Updated on October 8, 2023
Pappasito’s is a well-known Tex-Mex restaurant chain that has been serving up tasty dishes for over three decades. Their salsa is a fan favorite, and now you can make it in the comfort of your own kitchen!
This easy salsa is perfect for those who love the mouthwatering flavors of Pappasito’s but don’t want to dine out or get takeout. With fresh ingredients and simple steps, you can create your own delicious Pappasito salsa at home.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade version of their famous salsa! Follow the steps below and let’s get started.
What is Pappasito’s Salsa?
Pappasito’s salsa is a fresh and flavorful salsa that is served at their restaurants as a complimentary appetizer. It has a perfect balance of heat, smokiness, and tanginess that pairs well with their Tex-Mex dishes.
The key ingredients in this salsa are tomatoes, jalapeno pepper, onion, cilantro, and poblano pepper. These are charred to give a smoky flavor and blended with herbs and spices to create a delicious salsa that is loved by many.
Why You’ll Love this Pappasito’s Salsa?
There are many reasons why you’ll love making this Pappasito’s salsa at home. For one, it is quick and easy to make with simple ingredients that are easily available in most grocery stores.
It also allows you to customize the flavor according to your preference by adjusting the level of heat or adding extra herbs and spices. Moreover, this homemade salsa is not only delicious but also healthy.
It is made with fresh and natural ingredients, making it a great addition to any meal or snack. Plus, you can make a big batch and store it in the fridge for later use, saving you time and money.
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Ingredients
- Tomatoes: This is the main ingredient of the salsa, it gives the base flavor and texture.
- Jalapeno Pepper: It adds a nice heat to the salsa without being too overpowering.
- Onion: Diced white onion gives a mild yet delicious flavor to the salsa.
- Cilantro: This herb adds a fresh and bright taste to balance out the other flavors.
- Poblano Pepper: Adding this pepper gives a nice smoky flavor to the salsa.
- Celery Salt: This seasoning adds depth and enhances the overall flavor of the salsa.
- Dried Oregano: Oregano is a staple in Mexican cuisine, adding it to this recipe will enhance the traditional flavors.
- Garlic Salt: It adds a subtle hint of garlic without being too strong in flavor.
- Ground Black Pepper: This adds a slight kick to the salsa and complements the other flavors well.
- Sugar: A little bit of sugar balances out the heat and acidity in the salsa, giving it a perfect balance of flavors.
- Water: This is used to thin out the consistency of the salsa.
Directions
Step 1
Prepare the Ingredients
- Start by washing and rinsing all the vegetables thoroughly, then pat them dry with a towel.
- Dice the tomatoes, jalapeno pepper, onion, and cilantro.
- Remove the seeds from the poblano pepper and dice it as well.
Step 2
Char the Vegetables
- Place a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, place the diced tomatoes, jalapeno pepper, onion, and poblano pepper in the skillet or pan.
- Using tongs, turn the vegetables occasionally until they are charred on all sides. This will take about 5 minutes.
Step 3
Make the Salsa
- In a blender or food processor, add the charred vegetables, water, celery salt, garlic salt, sugar, ground black pepper, and dried oregano.
- Pulse the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier salsa, pulse pulseless. For a smooth salsa, blend for longer.
Step 4
Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the salsa to a serving bowl and top it with fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno pepper according to your preferred level of heat.
- For a spicier salsa, leave some seeds in the jalapeno pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce.
- You can also add other ingredients like roasted garlic or lime juice for extra flavor.
Storage Tips
- This salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- You can also freeze it for longer storage, but note that the consistency may change once thawed.
- Make sure to label the container with the date so you know when it was made.
Nutrition Information
Serving Suggestions
Here are some ideas for serving and enjoying this delicious Pappasito’s salsa:
- As a dip for tortilla chips or veggies
- Topped with tacos, burritos, or quesadillas
- Mixed in with scrambled eggs for a breakfast twist
- As a topping for grilled chicken or fish
What other substitute can I use in Pappasito’s Salsa?
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand or want to switch things up, here are some substitutes you can use in this salsa recipe:
- Instead of poblano pepper, use a green bell pepper for a milder flavor.
- Swap out dried oregano with fresh cilantro or parsley for a different herb flavor.
- Use garlic powder instead of garlic salt and add salt separately according to your taste preference.
Equipment
- iron skillet
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 3 pounds tomatoes
- 2 minced jalapeno pepper
- 1 cup diced white onion
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 fresh poblano pepper
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Starting with the freshest produce, wash and rinse the vegetables thoroughly. Gently pat them dry with a clean towel. Dice the juicy tomatoes, spicy jalapeno pepper, crisp onion, and fragrant cilantro. Plucking the leaves of this herb is known to take your tastebuds on a flavor journey they won’t forget. Cut out the seeds from the poblano pepper and dice it accordingly.
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Once you feel the heat, lay the diced vegetables down on the surface of this piping-hot pan. Use tongs to turn them occasionally until they are beautifully charred on all sides. This should take no more than 5 minutes.
- Now, let’s make this mouth-watering salsa! In a high-speed blender or food processor, add the charred vegetables and water. Then comes the aromatic herbs and spices – celery salt, garlic salt, sugar plus ground black pepper to taste. And finally, for that traditional Mexican flavor, we all love, sprinkle in some dried oregano. Blend and pulse until it reaches your desired consistency. If you’re a fan of chunky salsa, use less blending time.
- Time to serve and enjoy this homemade Pappasito’s Salsa! Transfer the flavorful mixture into a serving bowl and garnish with fresh cilantro for that extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno pepper according to your preferred level of heat.
- For a spicier salsa, leave some seeds in the jalapeno pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce.
- You can also add other ingredients like roasted garlic or lime juice for extra flavor.
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes for this salsa?
Yes, you can use canned or fire-roasted tomatoes instead of fresh ones. Just make sure to drain the excess liquid before charing them in the skillet.
How do I make a chunkier salsa?
Pulse the ingredients less in the blender or food processor, or dice the vegetables into bigger chunks before charring them.
Is this salsa suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this Pappasito’s salsa is vegan-friendly as it does not contain any animal products.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make Pappasito’s salsa at home, go ahead and give it a try! It’s the perfect accompaniment for any Mexican-inspired meal or as a snack.
Whip up a batch and impress your friends and family with this delicious homemade salsa. Be sure to share this article with them so they can make it too! Thank you for reading this article.
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more
