Get ready to transform your kitchen into an authentic Italian trattoria with this mouthwatering Salsa Cruda recipe that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine a fresh, uncooked tomato sauce bursting with vibrant flavors that can elevate any seafood dish from ordinary to extraordinary. This simple yet sensational Italian sauce is not just a recipe—it's a culinary experience that brings the sun-kissed essence of Mediterranean cooking right to your plate.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and prepare all fresh ingredients. Dice the ripe tomatoes into small, uniform cubes, ensuring they are fresh and at room temperature for maximum flavor.
- Finely chop the onion into small, consistent pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the sauce. Mince the garlic cloves using a sharp knife or garlic press to release their aromatic oils.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. The combination of these fresh ingredients will create the base of the salsa cruda.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the tomato mixture. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best authentic Italian flavor and richness.
- Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss all ingredients to ensure even coating and distribution of seasonings.
- Allow the sauce to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This resting period helps the flavors meld together and intensifies the overall taste profile.
- Just before serving, tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the sauce as a garnish. The basil will add a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Serve immediately as a fresh, uncooked sauce over grilled fish, as a dipping sauce, or as a light topping for seafood dishes.
Tips
- Choose Tomatoes Wisely: Select ripe, in-season tomatoes for the most intense flavor. Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes work best for this recipe.
- Room Temperature Matters: Allow ingredients to sit at room temperature before mixing to enhance their natural flavors and aromas.
- Olive Oil Quality: Use extra virgin olive oil for an authentic Italian taste. The quality of your oil can significantly impact the final flavor.
- Cutting Technique: Dice tomatoes and chop onions uniformly to ensure balanced flavor distribution and an appealing presentation.
- Fresh Herbs Are Key: Use freshly torn basil leaves just before serving to maintain their bright, aromatic qualities.
- Serving Suggestions: While fantastic with fish, this versatile sauce also works wonderfully as a dip, bruschetta topping, or light pasta sauce.
- Timing is Everything: Prepare the salsa just before serving to maintain its fresh, vibrant character and prevent soggy ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 35kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
