Halloween Pumpkin Salsa
This Halloween Pumpkin Salsa is a festive twist on classic fresh salsa, combining roasted orange pepper, black beans, sweet corn, pumpkin, pumpkin seeds, onion, garlic, and cilantro. Served with orange and black tortilla chips, it makes a colorful Halloween appetizer for parties and fall gatherings.
Equipment
- Large Pot with Lid
- Gas stovetop or skillet for roasting the pepper
- Tongs
- Small Bowl
- Cutting Board
- Chef's knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- ½ orange bell pepper
- ½ cup black beans
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin seeds
- 4 cilantro leaves chopped
- 1 garlic clove chopped
- ¼ white onion chopped
- 1 ear roasted corn
- ⅓ cup canned pumpkin
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- Tortilla chips preferably orange and black for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the beans: Check the beans for any foreign pieces and discard them.
- Soak the beans according to the package directions; here they are soaked overnight.
- Cook the beans: The next morning, rinse the soaked beans and place them in clean water.
- Simmer, covered but with the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape, for about 1½ hours, or until tender. Drain, rinse, and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Roast the pepper: If using a gas stove, place the orange bell pepper over the flame and carefully turn it with tongs until most of the skin is roasted and charred.
- Steam and peel: Transfer the roasted pepper to a small bowl and cover it with plastic wrap.
- Let it sit for 20–30 minutes so the trapped heat loosens the skin. Remove most of the skin, leaving a little behind for extra roasted flavor.
- Chop the vegetables: Cut the pepper in half and remove the seeds. Chop it into small bite-size pieces. Cut the roasted corn from the cob, then chop the onion.
- Chop the clove of garlic.
- Combine the salsa: Add the chopped orange pepper, roasted corn, onion, garlic, and prepared black beans to a large bowl. Stir to combine.
- Add the pumpkin mixture: Add the pumpkin seeds, chopped cilantro, canned pumpkin, and sugar. Mix thoroughly until all of the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salsa until ready to serve. Serve chilled with orange and black tortilla chips for a festive Halloween presentation.
Notes
- The orange bell pepper is roasted and lightly charred to add smoky flavor and reinforce the Halloween color scheme.
- Roasted corn works best for the flavor.
- For the most festive presentation, serve the salsa with orange and black tortilla chips