A vibrant and flavorful tomato salsa perfect for topping your favorite dishes.
Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Using a high-quality olive oil can enhance the flavor of the salsa.
Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño to the saucepan and sauté until softened.
Chop the vegetables evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute.
Cooking the tomato paste briefly enhances its flavor.
Add the chopped tomatoes, chili powder, vinegar, salt, and sugar to the saucepan. Stir well.
Adjust the seasoning to taste at this stage.
Simmer the mixture for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are soft and the flavors meld together.
Simmering allows the flavors to develop fully.
Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth.
For a chunkier salsa, pulse the blender instead of blending continuously.
Return the blended salsa to the saucepan and heat through.
Reheating ensures the salsa is served warm and ready to enjoy.
Serve the salsa warm or chilled as desired.
Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.