Homemade Salsa

I love using fresh fruits and vegetables when they are in season.  And even though I live in a big city, I make any excuse to go out to the country, either to do pick your own or stop in at a farmers market for the best produce that season has to offer.  What better way to use up extra vegetables then to make some homemade salsa!  

The great thing about salsa is you can add in whatever vegetables you want to make it just the way you like it.

Ingredients

1 green pepper, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
4-5 medium tomatoes, diced
1 small onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
⅔ cup corn (I used frozen)
¼ cup fresh cilantro (or 2 tbsp dried cilantro)  
½ cup water
½ cup tomato paste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
pepper to taste
Nacho chips

Optional Ingredients

½ cup black beans
1 red, yellow or orange pepper
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
1-3 chili peppers (depending on how spicy you like your salsa)

Directions

In a bowl, combine all of the vegetables.  In a second bowl, combine the water, tomato paste, lemon juice and pepper.  Stir the liquid mixture into the vegetable mixture.  Serve with chips.  

Enjoy!

D.