Salsa: My Fast Food of Choice

I read recently that people in the United States spend 30 minutes a day preparing meals. The fact that everyone else is averaging 10 minutes per meal a day either makes me incredibly inept, or means that not a lot of cooking is going on in other people's houses. Because I spend a lot more than 30 minutes in the kitchen. Cooking from scratch is a major time commitment, even if it's not fancy. It takes planning, dedication, and endless patience.

For the days that I'm just not up to it, but not willing to throw in the towel and give in to del taco or in n out, I make salsa.

Heat up a can of black beans (throw in a chopped up garlic clove if you are feeling fancy) and make some (brown) rice. While that's happening, make your salsa. Slice up some cheese, throw a couple of tortillas under the broiler and you've got dinner.

The payoff from making your own salsa? Well first of all it is simply delicious. Totally different than store-bought (which is not to say that I don't like jarred salsa). But if you want to have a homemade meal without really making much, making your own salsa will make you look good (and will make your food taste even better).

Pico de Gallo

Serves 2-4

3-4 medium sized tomatoes, or an equivalent amount of cherry tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1/4 cup onion, finely chopped

1/2-1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, stem removed, seeded, and finely chopped (to taste!)

Handful of cilantro leaves, chopped

juice of 1/2 a lime (to taste)

Generous pinch of salt (to taste)

In a small bowl, stir together the chopped tomatoes, onion, and jalapeño/serrano. Add the lime juice, and the salt taste for seasoning. Stir in the cilantro and spoon over dinner, snacks or appetizers (fancy!).

The best thing about making your own salsa is that it turns out a different every time, a little more lime, a little spicier, maybe the tomatoes are juicier or sweeter. But no matter what, it's always the best version you've made so far.