Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsPlaza Cafe DowntownChips & Salsa Recipe

Chips & Salsa Recipe

Time35m
Serves4

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Ingredients

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Salsa

Method

Salsa

  1. 1

    Prepare vegetables

    Halve the tomatoes and remove the core. Roughly chop tomatoes into large chunks. Peel and quarter the onion. Remove stems from cilantro. Slice the jalapeño in half lengthwise and remove seeds with a spoon if you prefer milder heat. Peel the garlic clove.

  2. 2

    Pulse or chop

    Place the chopped tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, garlic, and cilantro into a food processor or blender. Pulse 6–10 times until the mixture reaches a chunky salsa consistency (avoid pureeing into a smooth sauce). If you don't have a processor, finely dice everything by hand and combine in a bowl.

  3. 3

    Season

    Transfer the chopped mixture to a bowl. Stir in lime juice, salt, black pepper, and cumin (if using). Taste and add up to 1/2 tsp sugar if the tomatoes are very acidic. Adjust salt and lime to preference.

  4. 4

    Rest

    Let the salsa sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. For a brighter, chilled salsa, refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. Stir again before serving.

Chips

  1. 5

    Heat oil

    Pour oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to a depth of about 1/4 inch (or heat a deep pot to 350°F / 175°C for deep frying). Heat over medium-high until shimmering but not smoking. If working with a shallow skillet, test with the edge of a tortilla — it should sizzle immediately.

  2. 6

    Cut tortillas

    Stack tortillas and cut them into 6 wedges each (like slicing a pie) using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

  3. 7

    Fry chips

    Working in batches, add wedges to the hot oil in a single layer without overcrowding. Fry 1 to 1.5 minutes per side, turning once, until golden and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer chips to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet to drain.

  4. 8

    Season chips

    While still warm, sprinkle chips with fine salt and optional chili powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor. Let chips cool for a few minutes to crisp fully.

  5. 9

    Oven-baked alternative

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush or lightly spray both sides of tortilla wedges with oil, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Season immediately after baking.

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