Hawaiian-Style Salsa Dip

See: My Kitchen - Traditional Maltese Ice-Cream - Halva - Lilikoi Butter - Macadamia Nut Brittle - Salsa Dip

Hawaiian-Style Salsa Dip

This salsa recipe was passed down to me by my sister, Nancy. After moving to Hawaii, I made a few changes to give it a tropical island flavor while keeping the fresh, homemade taste that made it a family favorite. The addition of banana, citrus zest, and honey creates a unique balance of sweetness and heat that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or seafood.

Tip: Remove all the seeds from the peppers for a milder salsa, or leave a few seeds in if you prefer more heat.

Ingredient

• 2 cans (12 oz each) S&W Italian Style Stewed Tomatoes
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 ripe banana
• ½ large white or yellow onion, roughly chopped
• 1 habanero pepper, seeded
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded
• 1 serrano pepper, seeded
• 3 large cloves garlic
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 dashes Tabasco sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Zest of 1 lime
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lime
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 large bunch fresh cilantro, stems removed

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until smooth and fully combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. Add additional Tabasco or a few pepper seeds for more heat.
4. Transfer to a bowl or container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and improves the taste.
5. Serve chilled with tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, tacos, burritos, grilled fish, shrimp, or chicken.

Serving Suggestions

This salsa is especially good with:

• Tortilla chips
• Fish tacos
• Grilled mahi-mahi
• Shrimp skewers
• Pulled pork sandwiches
• Hawaiian-style grilled chicken

Makes

Approximately 6–8 cups of salsa.

Anthony's Note

"My sister Nancy shared this recipe with me many years ago. After moving to Hawaii, I added banana, fresh citrus zest, and honey to create a tropical twist. It has become a favorite at family gatherings, barbecues, and potlucks. The combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors makes it unlike any store-bought salsa."