Chismol
(Central American fresh tomato, pepper and onion salsa)
Image by jeffreyw
Chismol, or chirmol, (both pronounced "chee-mole") is the name of a simple fresh vegetable salsa that is popular in many of the countries of Central America, especially Honduras and El Salvador. The bright mixture of tomatoes, onions and peppers is similar to Mexican pico de gallo and can be used as a dip for tortilla chips or as a condiment for carne asada or baleadas.
Makes about 2 cups
Ingredients
- Tomatoes, seeded and chopped -- 2 medium
- Red onion, finely chopped -- 1
- Green bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped -- 1
- Cilantro, chopped -- 1/4 cup
- Lime, juice only -- 1 medium
- Salt -- to taste
- Oil -- 1 tablespoon
Method
- Toss the tomatoes, onion, peppers and cilantro together in a non-reactive bowl. Then stir in the lime juice, salt to taste and the oil.
- Served chilled or at room temperature.
Chismol Variations
- Add a little heat with a couple of minced serrano or jalapeño chiles.
- Finely chop 3 or 4 radishes and stir them into the chismol.
- Cut a ripe avocado into cubes and stir it in at the end.
- Season the chismol with a pinch of ground cumin or some chopped mint.
- Use vinegar instead of lime juice.
