Historians and foodies have long debated the origins of the staple Mexican dish pico de gallo, which literally translates to ‘rooster’s bill’ or ‘rooster’s beak’ in English. Doesn’t sound very appetizing right? Well lucky for us this fresh dish is vegetarian and heart friendly!

Some believe the name comes from the ancient method of eating pico de gallo, which was using your thumb and forefinger to grab and eat it, forming a rooster or chicken profile with one’s hand (cue the childhood shadow puppet fun). Others believe it comes from the food’s similar texture to chicken feed. While some Sonoran people in Mexico believe its name originates from the shape of the serrano pepper used in the dish. The most creative theory is that the name derives from the sensation of a rooster pecking a person’s tongue when fighting rooster handlers would put the bird’s head in their mouths to calm them before a fight…definitely thinking out of the box on that theory.

In any case, pico de gallo traces back to ancient Aztec cuisine and specifically from the Yucatan Peninsula, Sonora, Guanajuato, and Oaxaca regions of Mexico. It also goes by the name salsa bandera, which means flag salsa, because it depicts the green, white, and red colors of the Mexican national flag. This chunky salsa dish has a kick that brightens and freshens up any meal or snack table.

Ingredients:

• 3 onions (red or white)

• 12 tomatoes

• 2-3 jalapeño or serrano peppers (or if you’re very adventuresome, 1 habanero chile pepper)

• 2 cups (256 g) cilantro leaves

• 1 lime

• Salt

Instructions:

1. Cut the onions and tomatoes into small pieces, then chop the cilantro.

2. Cut peppers in half,remove the seeds with a spoon and then finely dice the peppers. 

3. Place onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and peppers into a bowl. Mix ingredients well.

4. Cut the lime in half. Squeeze the lime juice into the bowl

5. Add salt, and mix the contents. 

6. Adjust lime juice and salt to taste. Enjoy!

Serve pico de gallo as a garnish on any meal such as chicken, fish, tacos, or simply enjoy it  with some crispy tortilla chips.

If you would like to read more about Mexican culture, history, cuisine and language, check out our blog page for our latest monthly articles. You can also sign up to our newsletter to receive these straight to your inbox along with the latest news about our non-profit school for local and Indigenous students in Felipe Carrillo Puerto. 

The best way to experience the Mexican lifestyle is in person, with a Na’atik Immersion experience. Not only do you live with a local Mexican-Maya family, sharing home-cooked meals and free time, but also receive expert instruction in your chosen language at our school. Best of all, every immersion experience helps fund our subsidized and free local education program, helping local students to access opportunities and make their own futures.