Coal Fired Pico De Gallo

I found this recipe from one of Martha Stewart's collections. I love Pico De Gallo, it's spicy flavor is perfectly balanced with a great chicken or beef fajita and the crunch of tortilla chips.

Coal Fired Pico De Gallo

[Chris Lilly]

Everything is better on the charcoal grill. The added smoky flavor plus the hint of lime juice and cilantro takes this sweet and spicy salsa to a new level. I like to let the Pico de gallo sit for 30 minutes so the flavors meld together, but it rarely lasts that long in my backyard.

Makes 2 cups
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 medium white onion
2 jalapeño peppers
1 banana pepper
6 plum tomatoes
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
2 cloves garlic, crushed
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 lime, juiced

DIRECTIONS
1. build a charcoal fire for direct grilling with kingsford® charcoal. While the grill is heating cut the onion into round slices, each 1/2-inch thick. cut the peppers in half and remove the seeds and veins. Place the prepared vegetables and whole tomatoes directly over the hot coals (approximately 500 degrees) and cook for 5 minutes, turning once or until they char and start to soften.

2. remove the vegetables from the grill and dice. combine the diced vegetables, cilantro, garlic, salt, sugar and lime juice in a small bowl. let the Pico De gallo sit for 30 minutes so the flavors will meld together. serve immediately or refrigerate and serve chilled.