Simple Salsa

Ingredients

• 1 28-oz can whole tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted (Muir Glen makes an excellent product.)
• 1 7-oz can green chiles, chopped (or one large 6 inch or two smaller anaheim chiles, roasted under a broiler or directly on a gas stove burner so that the outer skin has completely blackened. Put into a brown paper bag for a few minutes after roasting to loosen the blackened skin. Remove and discard the blackened skin. Remove the stem, seeds, and ribs. Chop.)
• 1 clove of garlic, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 2 green onions (scallions), chopped, including the green parts (about 1/3 cup)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (can supplement with fresh)
• 1/4 cup of very loosely packed fresh chopped cilantro
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Method

1 Remove just the tomatoes from the can of whole tomatoes, place in a medium sized non-reactive mixing bowl. Using your fingers, or a fork and a sharp small knife, shred or break up the tomatoes.

2 Mix in chopped green chiles, green onions, garlic (or garlic salt), olive oil and vinegar. Add back in about 1/4 cup of the tomato sauce from the can of whole tomatoes. Sprinkle on about 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano. Mix in and taste. Adjust if needed. Add cilantro, and salt and pepper to taste.

Refrigerate when not using. Will keep several days.

Yield: Makes 2-3 cups.