Year-Round Salsa

This is a good substitute for salsa fresca in periods when fresh tomatoes and chiles aren't available. This is milder than Pico de Gallo, but you can add extra chile if you like it hotter.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Yields: 2 1/4 cups

Ingredients

• 2  cups  canned crushed tomatoes
• 2  fresh jalapenos or 2  pickled jalapeno peppers, minced
• 1  tablespoon  minced onion
• 1  clove garlic, minced
• 1⁄4-1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne or 1⁄4-1⁄2 teaspoon  crushed arbol chile
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1  pinch cumin seeds, toasted or 1  pinch ground cumin
• 1  pinch dried oregano, preferably mexican
• 1  dash white vinegar, optional

Directions

1. Stir all the ingredients together in a bowl, (or purée in a blender for a smoother sauce).
2. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to develop the flavors.