Ranchero Salsa

This is a great salsa and I probably should have put it in the very first newsletter. It is served in every part of Mexico in a vast array of dishes. The one that you are probably most familiar with is Huevos Rancheros but there are countless other Mexican dishes that you can make with this simple, yet oh so tasty and authentic salsa. I'm gonna give you a recipe for a small batch so in the unlikely case you really hate it ..... you won't have wasted a whole lot of time or money.

PARTS LIST

One poblano chile
Stemmed and seeded and cut into thin strips about an inch long
One onion
Medium size - white or yellow - halved and sliced thinly
Four tomatoes
The same size as the onion chopped into pieces about the size of a marble
Two (or so) cloves of garlic
Chopped
Some cilantro
Chopped

This is a really simple salsa to make and almost impossible to screw up. Start the chile sauteeing over medium heat in a little oil. Don't use any tasty expensive oil - use a cheap neutral oil. (we want the taste of the salsa , not the taste of the oil.) Corn or safflower works great. You don't want to brown the chiles just to soften them. We don't want crunchy chiles. This is a very mild version of Ranchero Salsa - even the kids and Aunt Agnes can eat it. If you like a spicier salsa add some chopped Jalapeno or serrano chiles too. When the chiles are about half done add the onions and saute a little more. Once again you don't want to brown the onions. When the onions have turned translucent, add the garlic and the tomatoes. Use the brightes red tomatoes you can find. If the tomatoes in the market are really junky (as usual) use the smaller plum tomatoes but use more of them. Cover it all with water and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or so, and you have just made an authentic Ranchero Salsa. Taste it and add some salt. Right before you are ready to use it throw in some chopped cilantro. If you're one of those who hate the taste of cilantro throw in some chopped green onions - the color is really important. This is great for Huevos Rancheros, Bistek Ranchero, wonderful as an enchilada sauce and great to add into a pot of beans.