Traditional Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo is more than just a salsa. The literal translation from Spanish is Beak of the Rooster, which certainly doesn’t give much of an explanation. There are some people who claim that the name is derived from the days when cockfighting was popular. The handler would put the head of the rooster in his mouth as a way of calming the animal. This explanation is extrapolated to the bite one gets from the spiciness of the pico de gallo. Who knows?

What I do know is that this raw salsa (or uncooked salsa), makes a perfect side dish or accompaniment for many Mexican dishes. It’s wonderful when served with tostados, grilled meats, tacos, enchiladas, or burritos. If you like a mild pico de gallo, simply add a little less of the chopped jalapeño. Of course, if you want to give it a bit more heat, by all means, add a little extra. I usually make it with 2 jalapeños which gives me a pico de gallo that is somewhere between mild and hot. We usually eat it with tortilla chips and the kids like to pile on the salsa, so they prefer not to have it too hot.

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Original Pico de Gallo

There's something about the wonderful flavor of fresh tomatoes, cilantro, onion, and jalapeños that come together to make this authentic Pico de Gallo the perfect accompaniment for tacos, tortilla chips, or your favorite Mexican feast. The bright fresh flavors make everything taste better.

Servings

cups

Ingredients

• 4 ripe, plum tomatoes, seeded and finely diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro (or more, to taste)
• 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
• salt, to taste

Servings cups Ingredients 4 ripe, plum tomatoes, seeded and finely diced 1 small red onion, finely chopped 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro (or more, to taste) 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice salt, to taste

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine the tomato, onion, cilantro and jalapeño. Add the fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt, toss to combine. Taste for seasoning and add more salt if necessary.