Pico de “Gonna Love It” – Pico de Gallo

First, I must say that I’m a fan of fresh pico de gallo. Smells great, looks great, tastes great and it’s healthy.  Have you ever wondered where the name came from?  Well, pico de gallo in Spanish means, literally a rooster’s beak. It is generally known as a fresh condiment made from chopped tomato, onion, and chiles (typically serranos or jalapeños).

Etymology

The chiles used to make the chile powder are red and beak-like, hence the name “Rooster’s Beak.” Another explanation is that the heat from the chile makes your tongue feel like it has been pecked by a rooster. Another plausible etymology: pico is derived from the verb “picar” which has two meanings: 1) to mince or chop, and 2) to bite or sting. “Gallo”, the Spanish for rooster, is a common euphemism for the macho male in Mexican culture. One frequent macho theme is that of taking pride in withstanding the hot (“Picante”) chili pepper. This is all captured by an allusion to birdfeed (minced) to put hair on one’s chest (gallo). *

Recipe

Usage

This can be used on a multitude of items such as chicken, tortilla chips, taco’s, fajitas and as a garnish.  This list could go on for a long time but you get the idea. Oh yeah, and it’s great on grilled fish and fish tacos.

This recipe I have here is a pretty traditional and standard one.  Use fresh ingredients for best results it has been made like that for over 100 years with stellar results!

As always, enjoy and share!!!

-Ray

* Etymology taken from www.mexinsider.com