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A Condiment Worth Making: Chimichurri

partysugar — Mon, 19 May 2008 09:07:36 -0700

When I went to South America, I made it my mission to find an amazing chimichurri recipe. The green paste-like sauce is Argentina's most popular condiment. An essential topping for grilled meat, the sauce is incredibly easy to make and much more delicious than anything that comes out of a bottle.

Since Memorial Day is this weekend, I thought you might be interested in experimenting with my recipe. After tasting chimichurri at countless restaurants, I came across this variation at a packed parilla. I begged the waiter for the recipe and wrote it down on a napkin that I still have. To experiment with this scrumptious sauce - it's delicious on grilled fish, chicken, or even vegetables - read more.

Chimichurri
Original recipe by PartySugar

This recipe should be used as a guide and can easily be adapted to your liking and taste.

Ingredients

1 cup fresh oregano, finely minced
1 tablespoon garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon red pepper, finely minced
1 tablespoon Spanish Pimenton Picante (or smoky Spanish Paprika)
1/4-1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt
pepper

Directions
Combine first five ingredients in a small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Makes about 3/4 cup of sauce.

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Make Your Own Salsa

partysugar — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:00:41 -0700

For the first 23 years of my life, I thought salsa was something purchased at the grocery store or enjoyed at a Mexican restaurant. Then one day, I realized I could make it at home using fresh ingredients and everything changed.

The entire experience of eating salsa (with tortilla chips, of course) was enhanced. The juicy sweetness of tomatoes, the spicy heat of jalapeños, the subtle smokiness of chili powder, the crunchy bite of raw onion - it was like tasting salsa for the first time.

Don't be intimidated if you've never made salsa before, it's wildly easy and domestically rewarding. While having a food processor allows you to make salsa in mere minutes, it can also be done the old-fashioned way by finely chopping the ingredients. To check out my favorite salsa recipe read more.

Tomato Salsa
Original Recipe

Ingredients

4 large ripe tomatoes
juice of one lime
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1 jalapeño, seeded (optional) roughly chopped
1/2 small white onion, roughly chopped
1/4 cup cilantro
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Fill a large pot with water. Bring to a boil. Fill a bowl with ice and water. Place next to the stove.
With a small knife, slice an X into the bottom of each tomato, being careful not to cut all the way through. Drop each tomato into the boiling water and boil until the skin starts to peel off, about 45 seconds to a minute. Remove immediately and place in the ice water bath.
When the tomatoes are cool enough to handle, peel off the skins and discard. Slice the tomatoes into large wedges.
Squeeze the lime juice into a food processor. Add the garlic, jalapeño, onion, cilantro, spices, and tomatoes.
Process until the vegetables are finely chopped and the mixture is chunky. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking. If you prefer more heat, add another jalapeño or more chili powder. Enjoy with tortilla chips or however you desire!

Makes about 2 cups.

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Killer App: Greek Salsa

partysugar — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:50:16 -0700

Lately I've been all about dips. OK that's somewhat of an understatement, since it seems I'm always all about dips. Seven-layer dip, nacho cheese dip, artichoke crab dip, Buffalo chicken cheese dip - you get the idea. Well, last week I tried out this recipe for Greek salsa, and it is officially my new favorite dip (for now)! It's everything one could ask for in a dip. It's super easy to prepare (especially when you let the food processor do the chopping), can be made in advance, and is deliciously addictive. Thanks to the wide variety of ingredients - tomatoes, cucumber, hot peppers, olives, feta cheese - it's incredibly layered in both texture and flavor. From creamy to spicy to briny to salty, each bite is different, but equally divine. Greek salsa would be an excellent addition to a tailgate or informal cocktail party, so get the recipe and read more.

Greek Salsa With Pita Crisps
From Sips and Apps by Kathy Casey

Ingredients

Pita Crisps
6 large pocket-style pita breads (about 12 ounces total)
3 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Salsa
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups finely diced ripe plum tomato (about 3 tomatoes)
3/4 cup finely diced, peeled, and seeded cucumber (about 1/2 a cucumber)
1/4 cup minced red onion
1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
1 small yellow bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
1 cup (about 4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup pitted kalamata olives, finely chopped
2 to 2 pickled or fresh hot cherry peppers, stemmed and minced

Directions

Make pita crisps: Preheat oven to 450°F.
Cut each pita into 8 triangles and then separate each triangle into 2 pieces.
In a large bowl combine olive oil and salt. Add the pita wedges and toss well coating them evenly with the oil mixture.
On two large baking sheets, spread out the pita wedges in a single layer. Bake for about 4 minutes, then turn the pieces over and continue baking for 4 to 5 minutes more, or until golden and crisp. Let cool before serving. The crisps can be made in advance, cooled, and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Make salsa: combine the ingredients in a bowl and mix gently. Serve immediately with pita crisps.

Makes 4 cups.

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Seven Sensational Salsas

YumSugar — Tue, 27 May 2008 02:58:23 -0700

I never need an excuse to eat salsa, but the fact that May is National Salsa Month certainly doesn't hurt. Not only is salsa incredibly easy to make, but once you've whipped up a batch, you can use it for just about anything: dip for chips, topping for fish, dressing for salad, and much more. Plus, like nachos, this Mexican dish can be interpreted to suit an endless array of cuisines. To see seven fun salsa recipes, click "start."

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Fast & Easy Dinner: Fish Tacos With Mango Salsa

partysugar — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 09:15:49 -0800

Looking for a way to brighten up January's cold Winter evenings? How about spicy fish tacos with a tropical salsa?! The fish, in this case it's red snapper, is grilled instead of fried, making for a taco that is healthier and more fresh than its street food counterpart. The salsa is a mix of sweet mangoes, crunchy red onion, and hot serrano chiles. Serve with tortilla chips, guacamole, and cold beer for a meal perfect to enjoy while watching this weekend's NFL playoffs. To check out the scrumptious recipe, read more.

Fish Tacos With Mango Salsa
From The Nest

Ingredients

For the mango salsa:
1/2 cup finely diced mango
1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
1/2 Serrano chile pepper, finely chopped
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
For tacos:
1 pound red snapper fillets
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
8 (6-inch) corn tortillas
2 cups "Pickled" Red Cabbage or shredded raw red cabbage
2 lime wedges

Directions

In a medium bowl, stir together the salsa ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Meanwhile, season both sides of the fish with cumin, salt, and pepper. Brush both sides with oil. Heat a grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
Grill the fish, turning once, until just opaque in the center but not flaking, about 4 minutes on each side. Transfer the fish to a cutting board and cut into chunks.
While the fish is cooking, heat the corn tortilla on the grill until hot, about 30 seconds on each side. Transfer each tortilla to a plate and stack between layers of aluminum foil to keep warm.
Divide the fish chunks among the 8 tortillas. Top each with 1/4 cup of the red cabbage and 1/4 cup of the mango salsa. Squeeze lime juice over each taco and serve hot.

Serves 4.

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Black-Eyed Pea "Caviar" Is a Deep-South Delicacy

YumSugar — Mon, 18 May 2009 16:15:17 -0700

Don't let the name fool you: this "LA Caviar" is neither from Los Angeles nor made from caviar. Rather, the "LA" stands for "Lower Alabama," the coastal corner of Alabama that's home to Lulu's at Homeport Marina, a beachside restaurant owned by Jimmy Buffett's sister, Lucy Buffett. I borrowed this recipe from a Southern friend a few years back, and it's since become one of my favorite easy and healthy dips to whip up for parties.

Similar to a salsa, this chunky bean salad gets its tang from tomatoes and bell peppers, a touch of earthiness from the peas, and a delightful sweetness thanks to balsamic vinegar and sugar. To learn more and get the recipe, read more.

This dip is delicious on tortilla chips or crackers - I love to serve it with seeded flatbreads. It's a satisfying Summer dish, and since black-eyed peas are a good-luck food in the South, this makes a great New Year's Eve nibble, too.

Lulu's LA (Lower Alabama) Caviar
Lulu's at Homeport Marina via Atlanta Journal Constitution

Ingredients

3 (15-ounce) cans black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup chopped red onion
3 tablespoons chopped green bell pepper
3 tablespoons chopped red bell pepper
3 tablespoons chopped yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Salt and pepper

Directions

Combine black-eyed peas, onion, peppers, tomatoes, parsley, vinegar, oil and sugar
Season with salt and pepper.
Marinate for 12 to 24 hours before serving.
Serve with crackers or tortilla chips.

Serves 10.

Per serving: 203 calories, 8 grams protein, 27 grams carbohydrates, 6 grams fiber, 8 grams fat (1 gram saturated), no cholesterol, 279 milligrams sodium.

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What Kind Of Salsa Do You Prefer?

partysugar — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 09:56:55 -0800

According to Everyday Food, salsa is now the most consumed condiment in the United States. Salsa is so widely popular that it beats out the all-American condiment of ketchup. I have to admit, I enjoy salsa more than I do ketchup for one simply reason: variety. The taste of ketchup is a pretty stable, uniformed flavor, ketchup always tastes like ketchup. Salsa, on the other hand, can be made hundreds of different ways with distinct ingredients: tomatoes, jalepenos, cilantro, tomatillos, etc. Every salsa is unique right down to the texture of the mixture. While chips and salsa will always be a classic combination, much like ketchup and French fries, salsa can be used to season fish, meats, and chickens, as well as liven up south of the border style dishes and soups. I prefer a chunky tomato based salsa (medium-hot) with a thick authentic Mexican corn tortilla chip. How about you reader, what kind of salsa do you prefer?

Shrimp Cocktail With a Taco Kick

YumSugar — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:30:13 -0700

Until I discovered this recipe, I'd never considered eating raw corn off the cob. But since devouring these chile-rubbed shrimp with avocado-corn salsa, I've been adding raw corn to all of my salads. Now that you're a pro at cutting corn off the cob, try enjoying Summer's sweet bounty in a spicy shrimp taco.

Though the recipe is designed as a shrimp cocktail, I rolled up the salsa and shrimp in warm corn tortillas and served it with a side of black beans. The chile rub is richly decadent but not fiery, and it's easy to make on any type of indoor grill though I used a stove-top grill pan. Don't let the ingredient list intimidate you, either. Because the shrimp and salsa can be prepared in advance, this can be a fast and easy dinner, perfect for Summer nights. So try it for yourself.

Served in an Avocado Bowl, Strawberry Salsa Is Scrumptious

YumSugar — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:00:12 -0700

Here on YumSugar, we've gone a little avocado crazy, but with Cinco de Mayo right around the corner, how can you not be? A little while back, I stumbled across a strawberry-salsa-stuffed avocado recipe, and with the berries' fragrance overpowering my farmers market, I remembered that I had wanted to give it a shot.

Although I've never thought of using strawberries as a base for salsa, the resulting dish is outstanding! The sweet berries are complemented by the acidic lime juice, spicy jalapeno, and creamy avocado. The salsa-stuffed avocado makes a perfect alternative to a side salad, and the strawberry salsa alone would be tasty on pork, mild fish, or tortilla chips. To get started on your own strawberry salsa, read more.

Avocado With Strawberry Salsa
Adapted from Gourmet

Ingredients

For strawberry salsa
1 fresh serrano or jalapeño chili
1 cup finely chopped strawberries
1/4 cup finely chopped white onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh coriander
1/2 teaspoon fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar if desired
For serving
six 5-inch corn tortillas
vegetable oil for frying
4 firm-ripe avocados

Directions

Remove the seeds, stems and ribs from jalapeno, wear rubber gloves, if needed.
In a bowl stir together chili and remaining salsa ingredients. Salsa may be made several hours ahead and chilled, covered.
Stack tortillas and cut them in half. Cut stacks crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick strips. In a heavy skillet, heat 1/2-inch oil over moderate heat until hot but not smoking. Working in three batches, fry tortilla strips until crisp and golden, about 30 seconds, and with a slotted spoon transfer to paper towels to drain. Sprinkle fried tortilla strips with salt to taste.
Halve avocados and remove pits. Slice the avocado in both directions to make it easier to eat. Spoon about 1/3 cup strawberry salsa into the center of avocado. Insert tortilla strips into the avocado.

Serves 4.

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Do You Prefer Fresh or Jarred Salsa?

YumSugar — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 09:56:13 -0700

We've already asked you what flavor of salsa you prefer, but how about what kind? Do you like it fresh or jarred? I prefer fresh, but I know that there are a lot of people who believe that some jarred salsas can't be beat. What do you think? What kind of salsa do you use?