Food Hussy Recipe: Copycat Carlos O’Kellys Salsa
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Right next to that delicious queso on every visit – is a bowl of their amazing salsa! And yes – I got that recipe too!!!! So now – when I go home to Iowa – I can actually try NEW places because I have the recipes for my two favorite things!!!!
You will love this salsa – it’s got a kick and it takes less than 15 minutes to put together! You should let it marinate for at least 12 hours before you serve it – so it’s best to make it the day before. I also found that using a food processor makes it so much easier. I don’t use a food processor much – so I just have a small little 3.5 cup version and it was perfect for this.
The recipe uses a large can of whole peeled tomatoes, a small onion, canned jalapenos and green chiles and some seasonings. When you’re using the food processor – be sure to pulse it and keep an eye on it – you don’t want to puree it – you still want chunkiness and texture.
Now if you don’t have a food processor – you can do this all by dicing – it’ll just be a little messier with the tomatoes. But at $40 – the mini chopper is pretty cheap! You could also probably use a blender if you chopped things in small batches. I know they make the BIG full-size restaurant version in the giant blendery thing!
I know you’re going to love this salsa recipe as much as I do! It’s not too spicy and it makes just the right amount for a party! This is PERFECT for all those March Madness parties we all have coming up!
Don’t miss out on their Copycat Chicken Fajita recipe either!
Carlos O’Kellys Salsa
Ingredients
- 1 28 oz whole peeled tomatoes drained
- 1/2 large onion finely diced in food processor
- 2 oz canned green chiles diced
- 1 oz canned jalapenos diced
- 2 sprigs cilantro leaves finely minced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Chop onion into chunks and add to food processor – then add garlic, cilantro and salt – pulse until onion is minced and all cilantro is incorporated – you do NOT want to puree this!! pulse it on chop mode a half dozen times – and check often.1/2 large onion, 2 sprigs cilantro leaves, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp coarse sea salt
- Pour onion mixture into a large bowl
- Take drained whole tomatoes and put in food processor – pulse on chop setting the big chunks of tomato are broken up. again – you do not want to puree this but you want it more than diced.1 28 oz whole peeled tomatoes
- Add tomatoes to onion mixture
- Stir in chilies & jalapeño2 oz canned green chiles, 1 oz canned jalapenos
- Refrigerate for at least 12 hours
Notes
- Best if you have a food processor – I just have a small KitchenAid like this
I am adding the ingredients to my Walmart order now! Can't wait to try this!!
What happened to the queso recipe?
Sorry about that – I redesigned my website and a few links are a bit wonky – here you go! https://www.thefoodhussy.com/food-hussy-recipe-copycat-carlos-2/
Thank you so so much!
I wish someone could find their butter garlic recipe. We just came back from our Carlos OKelly’s vacation! Best food EVER!!!
I have been making this Salsa for at the very least 25 yrs. I have perfected mine for our taste. To make this easier and less chopping, I use 1 can diced tomatoes and one can Ro-tel Tomatoes. Only 1 chopped jalapeño because Ro-tel has chillies. A pinch of sugar to taste.
Thanks for the idea. My recipe is from someone that worked there – so I like to keep it true to the restaurant style whenever possible.
CARLOS had my favorite chips and salsa!!! I can’t wait to try this!!!🙌❤️ Seriously your Enchilada de Monterrey from them might be my mine and my family’s favorite recipe! Do you still have the Sancho Especial recipe?! Please release it soon!!😄 Well..anytime after healthy January😉🤣
Yes!! The salsa is perfection – I literally felt like I was back in CR when I took a bite! And yes- I do have that Sancho recipe around here somewhere – it’s a little complicated so I’m trying to figure out a way to simplify but keep the integrity. And yes – AFTER healthy January! hahahaha – make sure you come back and let me know what you think!
Amazing copy cat recipe – Already made 2 batches in 4 days!
You did a great job with this one. I’m from Davenport,Ia and I hated when our Carlos O’ Kelley’s closed. I needed this recipe today so thank you. Memories
Aw thanks! A friend of mine worked there and gave me some recipes – they’re all spot on!
Do you have a recipe for Carlos O’Kellys Fuego Queso?
No – just their regular queso – but it’s delicious! https://www.thefoodhussy.com/copycat-carlos-okellys-queso/
Your picture looks nothing like Carlos O Kelly’s salsa 🙁
I beg to differ – looks identical. https://www.instagram.com/p/CX3onjfLeA8/
This was amazing! Our Carlos closed and it’s so heartbreaking. Do you have the pasta diablo recipe by chance?? I’ve seen some copy cat ones but if you have an an ex-employee, seems that would be more authentic 🙂
im checking on it for you!
Do you use a white or yellow onion?
yellow
Tip.. if you aren’t using fresh tomatoes, use petite diced tomatoes.
yes – but i really recommend fresh for the texture