My friend Lori had mentioned several times that one of her sisters had given her a great recipe for salsa that her family really loved. They loved it so much, they doubled the recipe regularly!
Of course I asked for the recipe!
I usually serve pre-made salsa and every now and then I have made salsa using the regular fresh ingredients, tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, etc., nothing special. I didn't think I needed a recipe for salsa. After making the first batch of this Mexican salsa, I have changed my mind. After our first bites, we looked at each other and said, "Oh My Goodness! This is sooo good!" My mom-in-law was staying with us at the time and she loved it too! I did need a recipe after all, and of course, I am sharing that recipe with you.
I'm guessing that right now you are thinking how good can it be, it calls for canned tomatoes. I will admit, I too was a little skeptical when I saw the recipe called canned tomatoes, and honestly, even after living in SoCal for over 12 years, I didn't realize that there was a "Mexican" style canned tomato. I contemplated substituting regular stewed tomatoes because I had some in my pantry. Don't do it! I totally underestimated the power of "Mexican style" tomatoes. Make sure that you don't settle for regular stewed tomatoes like I almost did. I found the "Mexican Style" at Safeway and Winco and I'm guessing they are available at most chain grocery stores. S & W brand has a Mexican tomato, but right now, the Safeway brand is my favorite.
Regarding the Mexican oregano, don't even think about substituting the regular oregano you have in your cupboard. It is not the same at all! I had never used Mexican oregano or even smelled it. One sniff at
Penzy's Spices and you will smell the difference. It tastes completely different from the Mediterranean oregano we all have in our spice collection.
We are on our third batch of this yummy salsa. We play the "what can we put salsa on today" game at our house, and you will too after you make your first batch!
