Salsa Ranchera

Name: Salsa Ranchera
Yield: makes about 2 cups (8 or more servings)
Ingredients: 2 cups chopped flavorful tomatoes, or one 16-ounce can diced or stewed tomatoes, lightly drained; 1 small onion, quartered, optional; One 4-ounce can chopped mild green chilies or 1 to 2 fresh jalapeño peppers, seeded and coarsely chopped; Several sprigs fresh cilantro; 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juice, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

December 9, 2011

Store-bought salsas are generally quite good (I always have some on hand, both for using as a dip and as a shortcut to great flavor in recipes). However, for an occasional treat, nothing equals homemade salsa, especially one made with fresh tomatoes. Serve with tortilla chips or as a condiment with Mexican-style dishes.

Cooks' Note

The use of one jalapeño will result in a hot salsa, while two will make this fairly incendiary. Those with more experienced palates are free to use as many jalapeños as they’d like. Store remaining salsa in an airtight jar. This will keep for several days, but it’s best fresh.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Vodka Gochujang Pasta

This pasta has some really big energy about it. It’s so extra, it’s the type of thing you should be eating in your bikini while drinking a magnum of rosé, not in Hebden Bridge (or wherever you live), but on a beach on Mykonos.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Smothered Italian Sausage

This is what I call a fridge-eater recipe. The key here is getting a nice sear on the sausage and cooking the tomato down until it coats the sausage and vegetables well.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Baked Butter Paneer

I should address the awkward truth that I don’t use butter here but cream instead. You could, if you’re a stickler for tradition (and not a heretic like me), add a big slab of butter to the finished curry.