# Pico De Gallo: A Crisp and Fresh Garnish

Prepare this Pico De Gallo recipe whenever you’re in need of a crisp and fresh garnish for tacos, burritos, grilled meats, or a dip that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips.

## What is Pico De Gallo? (Compared to Salsa)

Pico de gallo, referred to as salsa fresca, is a chunky salsa crafted from raw, fresh components, whereas restaurant salsas are generally smoother and more liquid.

– **Flavor**: Zesty, tangy, and slightly spicy, this exceptional Pico de Gallo is rich in flavor with a gentle kick.
– **Skill Level**: Just prep, mix, chill, and serve. This essential Mexican dish is simple to make and suitable for beginners.
– **Time-Saving Tip**: Opt for pre-chopped onions, tomatoes, and canned diced jalapeños to save time.
– **Yield**: Consider making a double or triple portion to enjoy throughout the week.

## Ingredient Suggestions for Pico de Gallo

– **Tomatoes**: Select the freshest, firmest tomatoes you can find. Garden tomatoes are perfect, but beefsteak, vine, or Roma varieties are also great options.
– **Onions**: White onions offer a sweeter and milder profile compared to red or yellow onions. Soaking chopped onions in cold water can lessen their sharpness. Green onions provide a milder alternative.
– **Jalapeño Peppers**: Fresh jalapeños contribute a nice crunch. For additional heat, keep the seeds and membranes; otherwise, remove them for a milder taste. Pickled jalapeños can lend a tangy flavor.
– **Herbs**: Cilantro is the go-to herb for authentic Mexican taste, but parsley can stand in if necessary.
– **Lime & Salt**: Use moderately to elevate flavors. Smoked salt, garlic powder, lime zest, or cracked black pepper can enrich the salsa’s taste.

### Variations

– This recipe can incorporate additional elements like green chiles, corn, radishes, avocado, bell peppers, serrano peppers, black olives, or finely chopped mangoes. Ensure consistent sizes for easier scooping.
– Combine Pico de Gallo with sour cream or guacamole for a creamy dip experience.

## How to Serve Pico De Gallo

Offer Pico de Gallo as a nutritious, low-calorie dip with fresh vegetables such as celery, bell pepper scoops, and chips or crackers. It enhances the flavor of beef or chorizo tacos and serves as an excellent topping for grilled chicken or fajitas.

## Storing Pico De Gallo

– Prepare this homemade salsa a day ahead for improved flavor. Stir before serving.
– Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While it may soften, it can still be utilized in breakfast burritos or quesadillas.
– Freezing is not advised due to its high water content, but whipping up fresh Pico de Gallo is quick and straightforward.

### Recipe: Pico de Gallo

**Prep Time**: 10 minutes
**Total Time**: 30 minutes
**Servings**: 6

#### Ingredients
– Fresh tomatoes, diced
– Onion, chopped
– Lime juice
– Jalapeño, diced
– Fresh cilantro, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste

#### Instructions
1. Dice the tomatoes and let them drain in a strainer while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. In a bowl, mix together the drained tomatoes, onion, lime juice, jalapeño, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
3. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.

### Notes
– Allowing the salsa to rest for 20 minutes intensifies the taste.
– If the onion flavor is overpowering, soak it in cold water and rinse.
– For a milder salsa, eliminate the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño.
– Cilantro enhances the overall flavor of the dish, but it can be omitted or replaced with parsley if preferred.

Savor your fresh Pico de Gallo as a versatile garnish or dip that elevates any meal!

### Enchilada Skillet: A Tasty One-Pan Meal

Chicken, beans, and vegetables are simmered in enchilada sauce and laden with oodles of gooey Mexican cheese for a scrumptious single-pan meal! This enchilada skillet features crispy, cheesy Tex-Mex tastes that blend swiftly, making it an ideal option for weeknight dinners.

#### Flavor Profile
This dish showcases rich and robust flavors, thanks to the blend of enchilada sauce, spices, and melted cheese. The combination of chicken, beans, and vegetables results in a fulfilling and comforting meal that is bound to delight everyone at the table.

#### Time-Saving Tips
To expedite the process, think about utilizing pre-cooked chicken along with pre-chopped onions and garlic. This will help you whip up the dish in approximately 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for hectic weeknights.

#### Serving Suggestions
Garnish your enchilada skillet with sour cream, chopped green onions, or avocado for an extra kick of flavor and texture. Pair it with chilled cervezas or a pitcher of mojitos for a lively homemade celebration!

#### Freezing Instructions
This recipe is perfect for freezing. Let the skillet cool down completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to a month, making it a practical option for meal preparation.

### Ingredient Tips for Enchilada Skillet

– **Meat**: Choose cooked chicken, turkey, beef, steak, or pork. For a veggie version, skip the meat and add more beans or quinoa.

– **Tortillas**: Corn tortilla strips absorb the sauce and deliver a delightful texture. You can also opt for crushed tortilla chips, Fritos, or flour tortilla strips.

– **Vegetables**: Bell peppers and onions contribute color and flavor. You can also include corn, diced tomatoes, or a mix of vegetables.

– **Beans**: Remember to drain and rinse canned beans before incorporating them. Black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, or a mix are great options.

### Tasty Toppings
Elevate your enchilada skillet with toppings such as salsa, sour cream, sliced olives, jalapenos, green chilis, green onions, or guacamole. Crumbled tortilla chips or Fritos add a delightful crunch.

### Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat the broiler to high (500°F).
2. Slice the tortillas into ½-inch strips and set them aside.
3. In a 12-inch skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add bell pepper, onion, chili powder, and cumin. Cook until softened, around 4 minutes.
4. Mix in the chicken, beans, and enchilada sauce. Allow to simmer uncovered for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Incorporate the tortilla strips and mix well. Top with cheese and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts. Add preferred toppings and serve.

### Leftover Enchiladas?
Keep leftover enchilada skillet in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or bake in a casserole dish wrapped in foil. You can also freeze portions in zippered bags for up to 1 month.

### Nutritional Information (per serving)
– **Calories**: 253
– **Protein**: 25g
– **Carbohydrates**: 6g
– **Fat**: 14g
– **Sodium**: 322mg
– **Fiber**: 2g

### Conclusion
The enchilada skillet is a flexible and flavorful dish that can be tailored to meet your culinary desires. Whether you’re seeking a quick weekday dinner or a dish to dazzle your guests, this one-pan marvel is sure to delight. Enjoy your cooking journey!

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