Salsa is a type of sauce that can consist of vegetables, fruit, herbs, spices, and even grains, and which can range from mild and tangy to searing hot. The word "salsa" means "sauce" in Spanish, and it has also come to mean the same thing in English. However, in English, it refers specifically to Mexican table sauces, especially to the chunky tomato-and-chili-based pico de gallo, as well as to salsa verde. Salsa is a prime example of the significant evolution of food trends over the past two decades. In that time, salsa has leapt into prominence not only in supermarkets and restaurants but in ordinary cuisine.
There are numerous categories of salsa, some uncooked (salsa cruda) and some cooked. Here are some examples:
- Salsa verde: This is "green salsa," which is typically made from pureed tomatillos, green chilies, and cilantro.
- Salsa roja: This is "red salsa" that usually includes cooked red tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers.
- Pico de gallo: This is a popular form of uncooked salsa made from lime juice and coarsely chopped raw ingredients including tomatoes, onions, and cilantro leaves.
Salsa is a common condiment for tacos and other Mexican and Mexican-American foods, and as dips for tortilla chips. It is generally served at room temperature and can be adjusted for personal tastes. Salsa can also refer to a type of music that originated in New York City in the 1940s and 50s, based on Afro-Cuban music but incorporating elements from other Latin American styles.
