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One of the most important parts of planning any gathering, as well as the most difficult, is creating a successful ‘introductory phase.’ It’s that first block of time where appetizers are served, ideally prepared before your guests arrive, and where your guests conduct their first round of mingling, and become comfortable with their surroundings. The result is that this ‘phase’ sets the tone for the gathering, and shapes how your guests perceive what’s to come afterward.
This is true regardless of the type of gathering, formal or informal, and regardless of whether your guests are new acquaintances, close friends, or even family. While it is true that a superbly crafted and presented main course can overpower any previous shortcomings, it is entirely preferable to have the main course well framed by what came before.
For the summer season, one of the most versatile and beloved items that may be included in a spread, for almost any occasion, is a simple salsa. Whether dressed up for formal dinner parties, or set out family style for a relaxed barbeque, it serves admirably, and is always a welcome touch.
During my last Walmart run Monday morning, I still wasn’t sure what I was going to prepare for my brothers, who were due to come for dinner that Wednesday evening. I pretty much had the dinner itself planned out, but I was simply at a loss for what serve around it.
Then I came across the display for Hunt’s Diced Tomatoes, and it clicked. I would prepare a fresh salsa, and combine it with a quick batch of my homemade flatbreads, which together would make for an excellent opening to our evening.
Before even leaving the store, the flavor profile was already running through my head. Roasted tomatoes with garlic and olive oil, would create a basic Latin or Mediterranean base. Fresh mango would provide subtle contrast to the base. Fresh lemon and orange juice would imbue the salsa a second layer of acidity, while at the same time serving to mute the sweetness of the mango. A roasted jalapeno would add a necessary kick, while the addition of cumin, curry, and turmeric would serve to create a mosaic of spice; elevating the salsa beyond the realm of the familiar.
With a light summer dinner planned for my guests, I knew that the profile was both seasonal as well as apropos to the main course. I prepared the salsa ahead of time, and had it ready for my guests when they arrived, along with a small batch of freshly made flatbreads. It was a delightfully simple success.
However, served in the flatbreads with either feta, ricotta salata or queso fresco and your meat of choice, the salsa could also make for exquisite light lunch or outdoor summer breakfast. Today I am sharing two versions of this deliciously fresh salsa, one that's more for a luncheon or semi-formal affair, and another that's best suited for those day's or night's when you just need a quick but elegant snack or appetizer.
That was my first use of salsa for the season, and now I would just love to hear about creative use you might have for salsa, or some of your favorite seasonal twists on the classic. Be sure to check out more delicious salsa recipes here.
**Print this Hunt's coupon to use on your next Walmart shopping trip. Buy 3 Hunt’s Tomatoes any variety 6 oz or larger at Walmart and receive $1.00 in your Ibotta account. All 3 products must be purchased on the same shopping trip.
Mango & Diced Tomato Salsa with Fresh Flatbread Quick Mango & Diced Tomato Salsa
Ingredients
- 14 1/2 oz. can of Hunt’s Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
- 4-5 roasted garlic - chopped
- 2 bell peppers - chopped
- 1 mango - diced
- 1 tbs. capers - with 2 tbs. caper juice
- 2 tbs. lemon juice
- 1 tbs. orange juice
- 1 jalapeno - chopped (with or without seeds)
- 3 tbs. fresh dill - chopped
- 4 tbs. fresh Italian parsley - chopped
- 2 - 3 tbs. honey
- 4 tbs. olive oil
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. turmeric
- 1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. curry
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
For the Flatbreads:
- 2 cups - all purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 tbs. olive oil
- 14 1/2 can of Hunt’s Fire Roasted Diced Tomato
- 2 cloves of garlic - crushed and chopped
- 1 fresh bell pepper - diced
- 1 jalapeno - chopped (with or without seeds)
- 1 fresh mango - diced
- 1/4 cup fresh Italian parley - chopped
- 2 tbs. lemon juice
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tbs. dried oregano
- 2 tbs. olive oil
- 2 - 3 tbs. honey
- 3 tbs. olive oil
Instructions
For the Salsa:
- Place the unpeeled garlic in a dry frying pan to roast; uncovered. This should take about 5 – 6 minutes. Let the garlic cool and squeeze it from its shell. The garlic will pop out of the skin with a gentle squeeze.
- Roast all of the peppers in a dry frying pan; until a nice char is achieved on all sides. You may roast the peppers in the same frying pan along with the garlic.
- In a large bowl combine the Hunt’s Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes; along with all of the other ingredients and toss. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve the salsa with sliced cucumber along with a soft cheese such as feta, queso fresco or ricotta salata on a fresh homemade flatbread or your favorite store-bought flatbread.
For the Flatbreads:
- In a large bowl combine the flour, salt, pepper and baking powder.
- Combine the warm water with the olive oil and slowly add to the dry ingredients while stirring; bring together.
- On a floured surface knead and form into a ball; then cut into six or eight pieces. Form the pieces into a ball.
- On a floured surface; roll out the balls into thin discs.
- Heat a griddle and place the discs on the hot griddle. When bubbles form turn over and finish cooking.
- In a large bowl combine the Hunt’s Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes; along with all of the other ingredients and toss. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve the salsa with sliced cucumber along with a soft cheese such as feta, queso fresco or ricotta salata on a fresh homemade flatbread (recipe above), or your favorite store-bought flatbread.
Ginny Hartzler says
You are a cooking genius. How do you think up these recipes in your head? It is for sure a talent. You should be a chef.
Sandra Czosek says
How do you stay so thin and beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!
Beth says
Homemade salsa is a great idea!
Choc Chip Uru says
Your salsa looks absolutely delicious, I bet it would taste really fresh 🙂
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Healing Tomato says
What an amazing and delicious recipe. I love hunts sauce and use it daily. This will be a great recipe to make.
Adriana Martin says
Beautiful recipe I wish I had some now with that flatbread. Absolutely divine!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
This looks so appetizing!
[email protected] says
Homemade salsa and flatbread sounds fabulous to me Catherine!
Holly N @ Spend With Pennies says
My girls love Mango Salsa on chicken, can't wait to give this a try!
Big Daddy Dave says
Catherine, That is a great sounding recipe for a distinctive salsa! I don't care for bell peppers but I don't think that leaving them out would significantly alter the flavor impact. This is a great warm weather meal starter... Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Heather at Basilmomma says
So healthy and zesty!
gloria says
Look delicious Catherine !:)
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
What a great recipe! I love mango in my salsa, and I'm so glad to see your super-easy flatbread recipe -- exactly what I've been looking for - yay!
Amelia says
Hi my dear Catherine, you look great. The flat bread and salsa look awesome, very appetizing. Thanks for sharing this great posting.
Have a wonderful weekend, best regards. Hugs to you.
Amelia
Dottie Sauchelli-Balin says
Dear Catherine & Michael,
You truly are so creative with food. You are like a painter with a palette, only your palette is the flavor and texture of foods. I can just see your mind racing through the recipe that you have in your head. Pure genius! This Mango-Salsa with the tomato and added to your flatbread was a welcomed sight I am sure for your guests. I love mango and this is a definite must make in my list. Besides all the colors are so lovely together particularly on the flatbread. Thank you for sharing this recipe with us. Have a great and blessed weekend dear friends...
Dottie 🙂 xx
Jerry E. Beuterbaugh says
Looks and sounds real good to me!
Liz says
What a fabulous starter! I love salsas--both mango and tomato, but have never combined them. I know I'd adore every bite. And love your lunch idea, too. I've been thinking of you, Catherine. Keeping your brother in my prayers.