Melba's Swap Shop: Make pico de gallo the easy way

Pico de Gallo, meaning “rooster's beak” in Spanish, is also known as Salsa Fresca. Whatever you call it, this simple salsa is uncooked and can be made quickly and added to practically any dish. As you learn to make it, variations are limited only by your imagination.

Pico de Gallo

1 small white onion, diced and deflamed, or 4 green onions, thinly sliced

1-to-2 serrano or jalapeno peppers, diced

1/4 cup cilantro leaves, minced

2 large very ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice

Dash of salt

To deflame the onions, which will help the pico keep longer without fear of aftertaste, toss the diced onions in a small mixing bowl and cover with water and a couple dashes of apple cider vinegar. Let the onions soak in the solution while you do the remaining knife work.

For a milder version, remove the white membrane that surrounds the seeds within your hot peppers.

Once all the ingredients are diced, preferably in a uniform size, strain the onions and combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Cover and let stand at least 30 minutes so flavors have a chance to blend.

Dave Cathey, Food Editor, The Oklahoman

DEAR MELBA: This is the easy way to do Pico de Gallo: Buy a jar of sliced jalapenos with juice. Dice several tomatoes. Roma tomatoes are best. Dice 1/2 yellow or white onion. Add cilantro if you like — fresh or dried. You can also add one or two fresh raw jalapenos for a hotter kick. Store in a glass jar in refrigerator up to a week or so.