Basic Herb Salsa Food

BASIC HERB SALSA

Steps:

• Combine parsley, zest, salt and olive oil in a medium mixing bowl. Use a rasp grater to finely grate garlic into the bowl. Stir to combine.
• Just before serving, stir in vinegar. Taste and adjust salt and acid as needed. (Acid will dull the vibrant flavor and color of the herbs over time, so if you plan to store some of the sauce for future use, add acid to only the portion you're using. Sauce, without vinegar, will keep in the refrigerator up to 2 days; bring to room temperature before using.)

HERB SALSA

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender.
• Warm gently before spooning on fish or vegetables.

PAN-SEARED BRANZINO WITH HERB SALSA

Steps:

• Mince the anchovies, capers, garlic and red pepper flakes together on a cutting board, then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and mash into a paste using the flat side of a chef's knife. Transfer to a food processor along with the parsley, mint and marjoram. With the motor running, drizzle in the olive oil and process until smooth; transfer to a medium bowl.
• Toast the fennel seeds in a skillet over medium heat, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and crush with the bottom of a small skillet. Combine with 1/4 cup of the herb mixture and the herbes de Provence in a small bowl. Put the fish fillets in a shallow dish and brush with the fennel seed-herb mixture. Cover and refrigerate 2 to 4 hours.
• Meanwhile, add the lemon juice, bell pepper and cucumbers to the remaining herb mixture. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Heat 2 large nonstick skillets over medium-high heat. Brush the excess marinade off the fish. Working in batches, add the fish to the skillets, skin-side up, and cook until browned on the bottom, about 4 minutes. Flip the fillets, pressing with a spatula to sear the skin, and cook 2 more minutes. Serve with the herb salsa and lemon wedges.

GREEN HERB SALSA

Steps:

• Using a chef's knife (or food processor) finely chop almonds, garlic, and herbs. Stir (or blend) in oil and red-pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. (To store, refrigerate, up to 1 day.) Stir in vinegar just before serving.

DELICIOUSLY BASIC SALSA

Steps:

• Slice tomatoes and remove pulp with fingers. Mix all dry ingredients. If desired, slice jalapenos to remove seeds.
• If using a food processor: finely grind jalapenos and cilantro first, then add tomatoes and grind to desired chunkiness. Mix in dry ingredients and oil.
• If using a KitchenAid grinder (use large size holes): Slice tomatoes and grind up all but about 2 of them. Add jalapenos and cilantro through the grinder, then use the remaining tomatoes to push the peppers and cilatro through. Add dry ingredients and oil. Done!

HERB AND SHALLOT SALSA

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and let sit 5 minutes. If mixture seems thick, thin with a little water, neutral oil (like canola or corn oil) or additional lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve with grilled meat, chicken or fish.

FRESH RESTAURANT-STYLE SALSA

Steps:

• Combine canned and fresh tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a food processor; pulse 5 times to chop. Add cilantro, serrano and jalapeno peppers, lime juice, salt, and cumin and process for 10 seconds. Pulse further to desired consistency. Check and adjust seasoning as desired.