What Is Pico De Gallo And Why Should You Eat It?

Pico de gallo is a fresh condiment, traditionally served as a topping for tacos, tostadas and enchiladas. It consists of finely chopped tomatoes, onion (typically red onion), cilantro, chili peppers (typically jalapeño), olive oil and lime or lemon juice. This tangy, fresh salsa is best made from fresh ingredients and served within a day of making it to maintain its flavor.

What is pico de gallo?

Pico de gallo is believed to have originated in the Mexican state of Jalisco. The name of the dish literally means ‘beak of the rooster’, which is thought to refer to the way that the vegetables are traditionally chopped – into small pieces that resemble a bird’s beak.

While the exact ingredients and proportions vary depending on region and personal preference, the dish is generally very simple to make. All you need are some fresh, ripe tomatoes, a white onion, some fresh cilantro, and a couple of jalapeño peppers (seeded or unseeded, depending on how much heat you want). Simply chop everything up into small pieces and mix it together – that’s it!

If you’re looking for a bit more flavor, you can also add in some lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Once everything is mixed together, pico de gallo can be served immediately or refrigerated for later.

Health benefits of pico de gallo

Pico de gallo is not only incredibly tasty, but it is also packed with nutrients.

– Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer.
– Red Onions contain quercetin, another antioxidant that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
– Cilantro is a herb that contains many essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamins A, C, and K.
– Chili peppers contain vitamins A and C, as well as capsaicin, a compound that has been shown to boost metabolism.

Pico de gallo is also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage. One study found that people who ate salsa regularly had higher levels of antioxidants in their blood than those who didn’t eat salsa.

What is the difference between pico de gallo and salsa?

In general, salsas are soupier than pico de gallos. Pico de gallo is simply chopped fresh ingredients mixed together. When making salsa, however, the ingredients are usually processed in a food processor into a smoother, pureed consistency. Making it can also be done using a food processor, but too much processing will result in mush instead of the salad for which it is known.

Ingredients in pico de gallo generally include chopped fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Salsa ingredients can also include these items, but often times also include additional ingredients such as tomato paste, jalapenos, vinegar, and sugar.

How to make Homemade pico de gallo

Making your own pico de gallo at home is easy and the results are much tastier than anything you’ll find in a jar. To make a truly authentic salsa, use fresh ingredients whenever possible. That means using ripe, juicy tomatoes that have been picked at the peak of their flavor.

If you can’t find good tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead. Just be sure to drain them well before adding them to the mix.

Ingredients:

2 cups chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup finely diced red onion
1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely diced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
juice of 1 lime
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

How to prepare:

1. Start by chopping up some fresh tomatoes. You’ll need about 2 cups of diced tomatoes for a typical batch of sauce.
2. Add in 1/2 cup of finely diced onion, 1-2 jalapeño peppers (seeded if you don’t like it too spicy), and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
3. Give everything a good stir to combine.
4. Season the pico de gallo to taste with salt and lime juice. Start with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and add more if needed.

For the lime juice, use the juice of one fresh lime or start with 1 tablespoon and add more to taste. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for an hour or two to allow the flavors to meld together.

Spice it all up with Pico de gallo powder

Pico de gallo powder is a type of chili powder made from dried chilies, herbs, and spices. Use pico de gallo powder to add a salty kick to your favorite salsa, whether it’s tomato-based or tropical fruit salsa.

Sweet paprika or cayenne pepper add a certain oomph to the heat, which comes in many forms. In addition, you can choose a red chili pepper ground to your liking to increase the overall heat. You can choose something mild, such as ground achiote, or something more bold, such as ground red jalapeño.

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons dried oregano
Add 1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or ground red jalapeño (optional)

How to prepare:

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir until well combined.
2. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

Try it on scrambled eggs, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken or fish, or as a toppings for tacos or burritos. Pico de gallo powder can also be used to add flavor to soups, stews, sauces, and salad dressings. The possibilities are endless!

Pico de gallo Seasoning

What is the original and easy to make recipe?

Cilantro is what gives it’s signature flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can leave it out or substitute parsley or basil instead.
We like to use red onion in our pico de gallo, but you can also use white onion or yellow onion.
Jalapeño: This is what gives the salsa its spicy kick. If you don’t like spice, you can leave it out or substitute a bell pepper instead.
Tomatoes: We like to use Roma tomatoes in our pico de gallo, but you can also use any other type of tomato.
Lime juice: The acidity of the lime juice helps to balance out the flavors of the pico de gallo.
Salt is used to season the pico de gallo to taste.
Pepper is used to season the pico de gallo to taste.

Pico de Gallo with Mango

Pico de gallo is perfect on its own but when mango is added to the mix, it truly takes the flavor up a notch!

To make this recipe with mango, start by dicing one ripe mango and adding it to a bowl along with 1-2 diced tomatoes (seeds removed), 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1-2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, the juice of 1 lime, and 1 small jalapeño pepper (seeded and minced). Mix everything together until well combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

Pico de Gallo with Avocado

When you’re looking for a way to make pico de gallo even tastier, try avocado!

One of the best things about this salsa is that it is so easy to make! Simply combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix them together. If you want to add a little extra flair to your dish, you can roast the tomatoes before adding them to the mixture. This will give the sauce a slightly smoky flavor that is absolutely delicious. To make it even more tasty add some sliced avocado to the mix. This will give it more body for your very hungry friends.

Whether you enjoy it as a side dish or use it as a topping for tacos or burritos, pico de gallo with avocado is a great way to add some extra flavor to your meal.

Conclusion

Pico de gallo is a delicious, healthy salsa that you can make at home in just a few minutes. It’s perfect for adding to tacos, burritos, or eating on its own as a snack. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients. So why not give it a try? You might just find yourself falling in love with this flavorful dish!