Did you know that May is National Salsa Month? You can bet we did here at Monarquia Mexican Restaurant. We’re happy to have any reason to celebrate authentic Mexican cuisine. Just like many of the Mexican foods that we love, salsa has been around for centuries. We have records from Spanish missionaries of the natives of Mexico and Central America eating salsa as early as the 1500s, but salsa definitely existed long before then.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of salsa that you will find at Monarquia alongside our authentic Mexican dishes.
Pico de Gallo
Pico de gallo is distinct from other common salsas because it is uncooked. Finely chopped tomatoes, onions, and peppers, stirred with cilantro and lime juice, give this salsa its distinctive look. Its mix of bright colors and fresh ingredients make pico de gallo immediately recognizable. It can be hot or mild depending on what kind of peppers you use. Jalapenos or serrano chilis are common in the spicy version of this salsa, while the mild version is usually made with bell peppers. As a mix of uncooked ingredients, pico de gallo is ideal for topping tacos and other foods, which is one of our favorite ways to eat it at Monarquia.
Salsa Roja
This is the most common salsa and what you usually find jarred and available at the grocery store. Salsa roja is a broad category of salsa that includes any blended salsa made with tomatoes. There are many variations of salsa roja and everyone who makes salsa has their own version of it. At its base, salsa roja includes ripe tomatoes, onions, and hot peppers. Lime juice, cilantro, and garlic are all common additions. Delicious on everything, it is the most popular condiment for tacos and burritos.
Salsa Verde
To make this green salsa, tomatillos replace the tomatoes, but the other ingredients common to salsa verde are often the same as what you will find in salsa roja. It can also have just as many variations as salsa roja. Every Mexican restaurant has its own house version of salsa verde. The natural flavor profile of tomatillos lends itself to spicier additions, which is why restaurants sometimes brand salsa verde as their hotter salsa.
Celebrate Salsa with Us at Monarquia!
We don’t need an excuse to celebrate and enjoy salsa here at Monarqia, but we won’t turn down the chance! Come experience our authentic Mexican cuisine, paired with our delicious salsa offerings.