My eldest sister Lupe, or as I call her in a loving way- Lupita, had a huge life transformation about 7 years ago after she had a full-blown heart attack and was perilously close to death given her 99% occlusion. She was 42 at the time and to this day I remember it so vividly.
My brother in law called me on his cell. For your information he never just calls unless something is up. So my guard was immediately up. I was at work at the time and I remember him saying “Michelle”, in a calm voice, “we are taking your sister to the hospital”. I asked why, and he said she had complained about her chest, jaw and arm hurting as well as it feeling numb. I just went into total shock and couldn’t comprehend what he was telling me. I just heard hospital and Lupita. I then asked him what hospital he was taking her to and immediately told my boss that I had a family emergency and rushed to the hospital. I left everything and felt like a ghost completely going through motions until I saw my brother-in-law and my nieces and nephew in the waiting room. My brother-in-law remained so calm, cool, and collected while I was a total wreck.
The doctors had come out of surgery and spoke to us and I waited for my brother and nieces and nephews to go back into the waiting room so I could have a word. Well you could say I had several words like, how could this happen to my sister she is only 42, she’s not obese, she’s never had alcohol or drugs in her life. Major panic mode set in. The main cardiologist spoke to me, calmed me down, and told me it could be several things like genetics, diet, etc. I thanked him for saving her life.
After Lupita got home from the hospital she made a 360-degree change to her diet to help her live a longer life. She became a vegetarian shortly after her heart attack and has been on a plant based diet for the past few years, she looks amazing and is so full of energy. I can’t wait for the next fifty years!
As I share this family recipe that emerged after my sister’s heart attack, just know that it came about because she loves spicy food and salsas but she was ready for a new twist on the traditional pico de gallo. It is now a staple in our family and goes well with just about everything. As Lupita says it also has garlic which is like a natural antibiotic and may help lower high levels of cholesterol. Go figure!
So, if you are looking for a new take on salsa that is easy to make and has ingredients that are like natural antibiotics and may help lower high levels of cholesterol try our Cilantro Serrano Salsa, ready in 5 minutes. You can eat it alone, with chips, or pour over your favorite dish.
Buen Provecho!
Cilantro Serrano Salsa
Printable Version
Yield: Serves 4-6 Total Time: 5-10 minutes
Ingredients:
-4 Red Tomatoes
-Handful of Serrano Chiles
-2 Pieces of Garlic
-1 Bundle of Cilantro
-1-2 Lemons (not Lime)
-1/2 Tablespoon of cumin (more if
preferred)
-10 dashes of regular salt or Pink
Himalayan Sea Salt
Equipment Needed:
-Blender/Food Processor
-Cutting Board
-Knife
-Juicer
-Measuring Spoon
-Large Glass Bowl/Glass Jar for Storing
Prep:
– Rinse Cilantro bundle and remove long stems
– Rinse all tomatoes and slice off the ends of each tomato and chop in half
– Rinse the handful of serrano chiles and cut off the ends
– Then roll and rub the serrano chiles against the cutting board with your hands (it may
be an old wives’ tale but legend says if you roll and rub the chiles it helps make the
chile spicier- I always do this.)
– Juice 2 Lemons with a juicer
– Peel both pieces of garlic
Directions:
– Combine all ingredients in the blender or food processor
– Add about ½ tablespoon of Cumin (I usually add between ½ tablespoon to 1
tablespoon depending on the heat of the peppers)
– Add a couple of dashes of Pink Himalayan Sea Salt (I usually add about 10-15 small
dashes once in the food processor)
– Then cover the lid and chop all ingredients in the blender or food processor until it
forms a salsa texture
– Get a serving bowl and pour the salsa and eat with chips or your favorite dish
*****If the cilantro serrano is too spicy for your tastes, simply boil add an extra tomato and mix. Keep adding extra tomatoes to adjust the spice to your liking. You might have to add more cumin or salt based on your taste buds but please add minimal amounts gradually. ******
*****On the flip side if you don’t think this sauce is spicy enough, simply add a few more serrano chiles and mix into the original mix to help increase the heat. Keep adding serrano chiles to adjust the spice to your liking. *****