For this fermented salsa recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
•6-8 fresh tomatoes
•2- 3 green onions, chopped
•1 large size chopped jalapeno (seeded)
•6-8 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped or pressed
•1 bunch cilantro
•juice of 1-2 limes
•2 T. sea salt
•1/4 c. filtered water with tsp of salt (This is the brine.)
Pulse in food processor until it reaches a consistency that you enjoy. Some prefer a chunkier salsa. Place in a quart-sized, wide-mouth mason jar. Press down lightly until the juices rise up; if there is not enough liquid to cover the vegetables, add a little brine water. The top of the vegetables/liquid should be about an inch below the top of the jar. Cover with a loose jar lid OR a towel, place jar in a bowl to catch any expansion overflow and keep at room temperature in a dark and undisturbed area for about 5 days before sealing and transferring to the fridge.
A note about timing: that “5 days” is a very subjective figure. It depends on a number of factors. The temperature of your kitchen is also a factor. I like the flavor that develops at 5 days; however, you may let it ferment for up to several weeks.
How do you know when it’s done? Taste it every single day. Open it up, press the vegetables down, and give them a taste. When it tastes really good (slightly effervescent), it’s done. You’ll know it’s done when it starts to taste less salty.
I don’t know that I’d let this one go TOO long… probably better slightly fermented than sauerkraut-level fermented.
There are MANY variations with salsa, so you can experiment with a few of your favorites. Add a variety of fresh peppers, fruits, carrots, etc… You could, for example, make a Salsa Verde with substituting the tomatoes with tomatillos and addition of cucumber.