Lake Atitlan, Panajachel, Guatemala

Friday, April 11, 2014

Life in Guatemala A to Z: Jalapenos

I've been a fan of jalapenos ever since I married my husband, a native of California. He introduced me to strange foods I'd never experienced before, like all kinds of spicy peppers, avocados, fresh pineapple, fresh garlic. Sure, these things can be found in supermarkets in the Midwest but they don't taste the same as fresh grown.

When we lived for a time in California, I started cooking a lot with jalapenos, tossing them in soup and beans, chopping to add to salads, making fresh salsa.

Now I'm in heaven, because not only are the jalapeno peppers widely available at the local market, but also fresh roma tomatoes. I just have to remember to treat the vegetables with a sanitary bath before chopping.

Fresh Salsa

Roma tomatoes, diced
Onion (white is best)
Cilantro to taste
Juice of 1 lime
2 or 3 jalapenos, chopped fine, seeds removed
1 -2 teaspoons salt

Cut up everything and add to a bowl. Blend well and refrigerate until time to serve. Use only 1 jalapeno if you want mild salsa. Serve with chips! (The ones I like are very thick, perfect for scooping up salsa and guacamole.)


20 comments:

  1. Ooh I love jalapenos and salsa so this post made my mouth water. Yum. :)

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  2. I just wish jalapenos liked me. I can't even eat plain bell peppers.

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  3. Jalapenos are a staple in our house. A favorite snack is a little white or cream cheese frosting on a Ritz cracker with a slice of Jalapeno. You can add a little fruit to the mix and make it even better. Strawberries and peach go well.

    I also love sliced Jalapenos on my grilled cheese sandwich. Mmmm!

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  4. I like jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese, breaded and then baked. I have never tried them in a salad, though.
    Sophie
    Sophie's Thoughts & Fumbles - A to Z Ghosts
    Fantasy Boys XXX - A to Z Drabblerotic

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  5. Fresh jalapenos! That would be a treat.

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  6. This looks delicious. I'm coming over for dinner.

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  7. I grow jalapeƱos every year so I can have some of that fresh salsa and jalapeƱo jam! You made me smack my lips with that picture.

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    1. Clee, Same here. Or at least I used to in the States. My favorite when there was a bounteous harvest was stuffed fried jalapenos.

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  8. This looks good and I love your pics-the carrot is amazing and the colours of the food and homes are striking

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  9. Wonderful to have your favorites readily available. I'm not a fan of jalapenos but our daughters love them!

    Mary Montague Sikes

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  10. Always have them in my fridge...Love them! They are very expensive here though :(

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  11. WAY TO SPICY for me, I prefer crushed red pepper in my salsa, but SPARINGLY...

    But your salsa looks amazing, Karen.

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  12. Too hot for me, but my husband loves them. I live in the Midwest, and I have a California friend who is always trying to get me to try something new. Sometimes I listen. :-) Just joined your blog through the A to Z--good post!
    Deb@ http://debioneille.blogspot.com

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  13. I never liked hot peppers till I got married. Now I love them!

    Hot peppers taste like love. ;)

    --
    Timothy S. Brannan
    The Other Side, April Blog Challenge: The A to Z of Witches

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  14. Oh my, that looks delicious!! I've never been a huge fan of spicy but when it is done right...spicy not just HOT then I love it. Have a great weekend!

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  15. Hello there. Your salsa looks delicious. The balcony header shot is very quaint too. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy the rest of the challenge!
    Entrepreneurial Goddess

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  16. My entire family loves salsa except for me. I'm sure they would enjoy the fresh kind.

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  17. Hi Karen - fresh is best and that Salsa looks so appetising even with a coffee nearby! Enjoy - Hilary

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  18. Yum! It looks very good. The only difference between your recipe and ours (at home) salsa, is the chopped green onions and garlic we add.

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    1. Pat, I will often add garlic but haven't tried chopped green onions. Thanks for the idea, I'm going to do it next time!

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