Easy Chopper Salsa
I’ve got a couple salsa recipes but this one came to me by way of my CSA, Potomac Vegetable Farms. They have “salsa boxes” all summer long which basically equate to put-all-of-these-things-in-a-chopper-and-hit-GO. And there you have it. Salsa. This recipe makes a fine, juicy salsa where I sometimes prefer a more pico de gallo style chunky salsa. The flavor is definitely better in this one, though. If you want a little added chunkiness and crunch, that is what the optional cucumber is for!
what you need
1 shallot
1 hot pepper
2 small sweet peppers
3-4 small-medium tomatoes (yellow ones, green ones, red ones, cherry ones, literally whatever)
2 glugs olive oil
1 bunch cilantro, finely chopped
Salt and Pepper to taste
Juice from 1 lime
(optional) 1 small cucumber, finely diced
how to make it
Place shallot, hot pepper, sweet peppers, and tomatoes in a small chopper and chop until just fine enough. You may need to do this in two or three batches.
Add the olive oil, cilantro, salt, pepper, and lime juice, and stir until blended.
Stir in the cucumber, if using.
Enjoy with chips and vibey summer cocktails!
🥗
🌶️🍅🥑
Empanadas
There are many varieties but a recipe for specifically Argentinian empanadas is difficult to find – especially in English and out of the metric system. Often served as an appetizer, empanadas are hearty little handpies that can suffice as a meal alone and their flexible filling options (savory or sweet) make them perfect for just about any occasion. Argentina will always be a special place for me. So here is the elusive no-one-writes-this-shit-down family recipe.
Jamon con Melon
This is the simplest of appetizers. Elegant and perfectly balanced. Sweet and Salty. aka Melon Carpaccio. #summervibes
Brussels Sprouts Salad
For those who think you don’t like Brussels Sprouts, pause… let’s see what happens to them when we add a decent flavor profile. This healthy, clean salad is crunchy, flavorful, and interesting all in one bite. It’s fresh like summer, crisp like springtime, and full of fall and winter flavors. A perfect snack, app, or dinner if eating light. Makes me think that maybe some Instagram Reels are worth watching…
Warm Garlic Almond Soup
This is the second soup from The Great March Festival of Soups. This soup is by far the coziest. The olive oil, pistachios, and grapes really do something special. And I do not recommend skipping the cayenne. This truly is a cure for the common cold and chilly weather. It’s a hug in a mug. It’s like fleece-lined mittens. It’s early spring.
Asparagus Lentil Soup
This is the third soup recipe in the March Festival of Soups! This one is the most elaborate but it also may be the most worth it if you’re into a wicked interesting flavor profile and a little meat on your bones (figuratively speaking – the protein in this soup is lentils). With some unique flavors and a burst of freshness that screams spicy, hearty chimichurri, this is just what the late Spring chill ordered to nudge the vibe towards summer and keep out the late-seeping cold.
Green Pea Mint Soup
It’s cold. And it’s the time of year when everyone in Northern Virginia wishes they did not live in Northern Virginia. March drags on forever, and just when you think you’ve made it to spring, Easter is chilly and there is sleet on Mother’s Day. This is the all-star springtime soup. This green pea minty soup basically has a salad on top and the crema can get really creative. So break out the wasabi, the green vibes, and the blender. Best part is this thing takes all of 20 minutes to make. It is bright and vibrant; perfect for Easter, perfect for Spring. You’re welcome.