Pico De Gallo Norteno - Uncooked Tomato Salsa

With a large sharp knife, chop the chilies very fine. Mince the garlic. Coarsely chop the tomatoes. Finely chop the scallions and cilantro. Place the garlic, tomatoes, scallions, and cilantro in a large bowl. If the tomatoes are very dry and juiceless, gradually add up to 1/2 cup cold water to achieve a light salsa consistency. Stir to mix the ingredients. Add the chiles a little at a time, tasting, until it is as hot as you like. Add the oregano, then squeeze the lime juice into the salsa; gradually add salt to taste. Use at once.

This recipe yields about 4 cups of salsa.