| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 73 | 0.5g | 0.1g | 17.4g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 13.9g | 2.6g | 1.7g | 0.4g |
With roots nestled in both Cuba and Spain but firmly planted in Miami, I find joy in bridging the multicultural culinary gaps. One of my staple favorites that beautifully marries various flavors from both ends of my heritage is a fruit-based concoction, the Papalo Tomato Salsa. Its colorful composition harmonizes with the tropical vibes of Miami while it serves up a gastronomic party, reminiscent of classic Spanish tapas.
The Art of Balancing Flavors
The medley of ingredients in the Papalo Tomato Salsa is what makes it distinct. The heart of this dish is papalo, an aromatic herb that brings a punch of flavor, adding a beautiful layer of complexity to the salsa. The amalgamation of sweetness from the mango and tartness from the tomatoes, paired with the heat of jalapenos, the crunch of red onions, and the zest of lime juice, creates a symphony on your palate. It’s a dance of flavors on the tongue, truly reflective of my love for dance and the rhythmic symbiosis I strive to create in my recipes.
More Than Just a Salsa
This salsa isn’t just a sauce; it’s a sensorial exploration. It brings life to grills, tacos, nachos, and works its magic as a dip for tortilla chips too. Essentially, it spruces up any dish it is added to, much like how an energetic flamenco dancer would light up any party. A spin-off from the classic Mexican Salsa Pico de Gallo, the Papalo Tomato Salsa offers a sweeter melody in contrast to the traditional spicy rhythm.
Health on a Platter
The Papalo Tomato Salsa isn’t just a riot of flavors. It’s a powerhouse of nutritional wellness too. Tomatoes are a good source of antioxidants and can improve heart health. Mangoes, beyond being delicious, are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, boosting immunity, improving digestive health, and promoting eye health. Onion and jalapenos aid in cardiovascular health. The lime juice’s high vitamin C content boosts immunity, and its beneficial plant compounds play a significant role in preventing chronic diseases. Papalo, the superstar herb, has medicinal properties and was used by the Aztecs for treating various ailments. Truly, this is a dish that serves both taste and health in equal measures.
So, sit back, enjoy the sensuous dance of flavors, and let your taste buds celebrate the Papalo Tomato Salsa, a colorful, tropical, and healthful treat.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup diced mango
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped papalo leaves
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing all your fresh ingredients. Chop the tomatoes, dice the mango and red onion, finely chop the papalo leaves, remove the seeds from the jalapeno pepper and finely chop it as well.
Step Two
Take a large bowl and combine the chopped tomatoes, diced mango, diced red onion, chopped papalo leaves, and chopped jalapeno pepper together. Stir to mix all the ingredients well.
Step Three
Add the lime juice to the mixture in the bowl. It will add a bit of tanginess to your salsa. Stir it well to distribute the lime juice evenly.
Step Four
Season your salsa. Add in the salt, black pepper, and sugar to the mix in the bowl. Stir all of it well to ensure that all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step Five
Let the salsa sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld together. After this time, your Papalo Tomato Salsa is ready to serve and enjoy!
