Recipe: Summer Tomato Pico

SUMMER TOMATO PICO

"This pico is meant to celebrate summer tomatoes at their peak without overpowering them. Serve it with tacos, steaks, chicken, fish and fajitas. It's also an excellent garnish for guacamole."

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, crushed and finely chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh jalape os or serranos
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups fresh tomatoes (1/4-inch cubes, peeled and seeded if desired)
1 tablespoon finely chopped white onion
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro

In a bowl, mix oil and lemon juice with garlic, peppers and salt. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes so salt can draw flavors from the peppers and garlic.

Mix in the tomatoes, onion and cilantro. Serve immediately.

Makes 4 to 6 servings
Source: Mex Tex by Matt Martinez (Bright Sky Press; September 2006)