Loving the BITE: Fresh Salsa
In a follow-up to yesterday’s Beanitos Review, we’ve got a Loving the BITE dip to go right along with those tasty chip. And not just any dip, but one that will help us cycle stronger and stay healthy. This week, tomato growers will rejoice with a salsa recipe that can be canned and enjoyed throughout the year.
Cyclists can rejoice as well. Our recipe is packed with ingredients that promote health – including heart health, digestion health, a reduction in cancer risk, high amounts of antioxidants, reduction in colds and sinus infections, and an increase in metabolism.
Loving the BITE: Fresh Salsa
(adapted from http://www.food.com/recipe/wonderful-salsa-9272)
Ingredients:
- 8 cups organic tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 2 1/2 cups onions, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups green peppers, chopped
- ½ – 1 cup jalapeno pepper, chopped (depending on heat desired)
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp cumin
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 1/8 cup canning salt
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 1/3 cup organic apple cider vinegar
- 1 (15 ounce) can organic tomato sauce
- 1 (12 ounce) can organic tomato paste
- ¼ cup cilantro
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together except tomato paste and cilantro. Bring to a slow boil for ~8 minutes or until desired consistency. Add tomato paste and cilantro and continue to boil for ~2 additional minutes.
Seal in jars and process in hot water bath for 10 minute.
This recipe yields a medium salsa – change the heat by adding or reducing the amount of jalapeno or removing jalapeno seeds. It is also a chunky salsa – for a smoother version chop vegetables into smaller pieces or process in a food processor before cooking.
Yields 3-6 quarts or pints.
Comments:
As you can see, our fresh salsa features many healthy ingredients. In fact, we’ve discussed the benefits of a few of them in-depth. As any faithful Loving the Bike (Bite) reader knows:
Tomatoes = lycopene, an antioxidant powerhouse. (Full story in found right here)
Chili and jalapeno peppers = capsaicins, hot components that provide anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic, anti-diabetic, and increased metabolism benefits. (Full story here)
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar = reduction in waist circumference, sinus infections, cholesterol, and diabetes risk. (More information right here)
Cumin = antioxidants, digestion and enzyme aides, and a reduced cancer risk. (More about Cumin here)
But, we’re not gonna stop there. Today, we add cilantro.
Simply put, cilantro leaves or coriander seeds (they are from the same plant) provide disease-fighting phytochemicals, antibacterial compounds strong enough to fight salmonella, cholesterol-lowering agents, blood sugar stabilizers, and free radical fighters to keep our cells young and healthy. Not bad for a simply herb, huh?
Don’t be a dip. Instead, eat a healthy one that promotes health and energy rather than one that drags you and your ride down. This week, try our salsa recipe for a sure-fire health, metabolism, and wellness boost!
Fuel Your Ride. Nourish Your Body.
