Pico de gallo, also known as salsa fresca, is a popular Mexican condiment made from fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Pico de gallo is often served as an accompaniment to tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and other Mexican dishes. It is also used as a garnish for soups, salads, and other dishes. The name “pico de gallo” literally translates to “rooster’s beak” and is believed to be a reference to the jalapeño’s resemblance to a beak.
What are the ingredients of Pico de Gallo?
Pico de gallo is a simple yet flavorful condiment made with a few simple ingredients. The main ingredients in pico de gallo are fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. The ingredients can be adjusted to taste, so feel free to add more or less of any of the ingredients to suit your preference.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are the base of any good pico de gallo. Choose fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Roma tomatoes are a great choice, but any fresh tomatoes will do. Be sure to remove the seeds and discard them.
Onions
Onions are a key ingredient in pico de gallo. White onions are the most commonly used, but you can also use red onions. Dice them finely and add them to the mix.
Jalapeños
Jalapeños add a nice kick to pico de gallo. You can leave them out if you don’t like spicy foods. If you do include them, make sure to remove the seeds and ribs, as they can make the pico de gallo too spicy.
Cilantro
Cilantro adds a fresh, herby flavor to the pico de gallo. Use fresh cilantro if possible. Chop it finely before adding it to the mix.
Lime Juice
Lime juice adds a nice zing to the pico de gallo. Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
Salt
Salt is used to bring out the flavor of the other ingredients. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
How to Make Pico de Gallo
Making pico de gallo is easy and only takes a few minutes. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing all of the ingredients. Dice the tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños. Chop the cilantro. Squeeze the lime juice.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix them together. Taste the pico de gallo and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Step 3: Serve
Serve the pico de gallo with tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or whatever you like. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of Pico de Gallo?
Pico de gallo is believed to have originated in Mexico, although its exact origin is uncertain. It is traditionally served as an accompaniment to Mexican dishes.
What is the difference between Pico de Gallo and Salsa?
The main difference between pico de gallo and salsa is that pico de gallo is a raw condiment made with fresh ingredients, while salsa is typically cooked and made with cooked ingredients.
Can Pico de Gallo be frozen?
Yes, pico de gallo can be frozen. It is best to freeze it in an airtight container or bag. It will keep for up to three months.
What can I serve with Pico de Gallo?
Pico de gallo can be served with a variety of dishes, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, soups, salads, and more. It can also be used as a dip for chips or vegetables.
Is Pico de Gallo spicy?
Pico de gallo can be spicy, depending on the amount of jalapeños used. If you don’t like spicy food, you can leave out the jalapeños or reduce the amount used.
