30 Things to Make Before I Turn 30: Salsa Two Ways

Homemade salsa is the first item I get to cross of my list of 30 Things to Make Before I Turn 30. I decided to make two different types of salsa for Superbowl Sunday. The first recipe is from my Dearest Auntie Chris, who is a phenomenal cook. This salsa recipe is super easy and only requires throwing a bunch of things together, so it really isn't a true testimony to the excellent cook my Aunt Chris is. Regardless, this salsa is always a hit at our family get togethers. People chow down on it and the people in my Mom's family love to eat!! I love how the fresh chopped cilantro really shines through in this salsa and the crunch of the onion is a great balance to the corn and black beans.

Aunt Chris's Black Bean & Corn Salsa

Ingredients

1 cans black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can whole kernel corn, drained

1 small purple onion, chopped

Chopped garlic to taste (I used three cloves because we are big garlic fans)

1/2 bunch chopped cilantro

1 jar of salsa

Directions

Mix all ingredients together. Chopped avocado may be added too, but the salsa will not last as long. 

The second salsa that I made was an adaptation of a salsa recipe that the mom of a former student, Jody, sent me. It's a bunch of fresh ingredients that make the salsa super delicious.  Another great thing about this salsa is that it keeps for up to 8 days.

Mexican Salsa

Ingredients

32 ounces of canned tomatoes

3 jalapeno peppers (I took the seeds out, but if you like heat, keep them in)

1/4 teaspoon of salt

3 cloves of garlic

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 diced onion
1/2 tablespoon fresh oregano 

1/2 bunch cilantro

Directions

Blend all ingredients but the cilantro together in blender or food processor. Add in cilantro last.