A tequila infused Plum Habanero Salsa, preserved using the water bath canning method. The ripe plums mellow the heat of the habanero peppers to create a unique and delicious salsa. Step by step water bath canning tips included!
I’m very into preserving summer fruit bounties at home right now, in the form of salsa. I canned Roasted Tomato Peach Salsa last month, and followed that up with this tequila infused Plum Habanero Salsa.
So habaneros….. yes, theses little orange peppers are spicy and quite high on the Scoville scale. But the fresh, sweet plums and heirloom tomatoes absorb some of the habanero’s heat. They have such great flavor that you’re actually able to enjoy in this plum salsa by mellowing their bite.
This recipe from my friends at Ball® Canning is simple to make – the biggest time commitment is simply chopping the ingredients! The ingredient list is short, and includes:
plums
tomatoes
habanero peppers
garlic
red onion
lime juice
There’s a surprising ingredient too – TEQUILA! You probably like to drink tequila with chips and salsa, but have you ever added it into your favorite recipe? It isn’t overpowering – just the right amount of interesting to keep you coming back for more. It really sets this salsa apart!
How to water-bath can habanero salsa:
Chop all of the vegetables, besides tomatoes.
Core and cut tomatoes in half, then roast for 30 minutes.
Combine all ingredients and simmer on stovetop for 20 minutes.
Heat your sterilized Ball® Pint Jars in your Ball Canner with rack, and keep them in there until ready to jar the salsa.
Once salsa is ready, fill jars leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
Attach lids and bands, and process in water bath canner.
You’ll have 4 pints of Plum Habanero Salsa to enjoy any time of year. Or gift a jar to someone special!
I especially love the Ball® Elite Sharing Jars because the longer neck allows you to easily add a tag or ribbon for personalizing it.
My favorite way to eat this salsa!
Besides mixing it with a batch of guacamole, I love to swirl it into greek yogurt (full fat) or sour cream, then top with frizzled chickpeas, fresh herbs, and lots of lime. It’s cooling, refreshing, and satisfying. It’s also super delicious on pork tacos.
This spicy plum habanero salsa is infused with tequila for a unique and delicious twist! The tomatoes are roasted to give this salsa a tasty smoky flavor. Uses the water bath canning method.
2teaspoonscoriander seeds,toasted and crushed (or 1 teaspoon ground coriander)
3habanero peppers,minced
Prevent your screen from going dark
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350° F. Halve tomatoes and place on a baking sheet cut side down. Roast 20 minutes then turn tomatoes over and roast an additional 10 minutes. Let cool. Slip skins off, then roughly chop.
Prepare boiling water canner. Heat jars in simmering water until ready to use, do not boil. Wash lids in warm soapy water and set aside with bands.
Combine tomatoes with all remaining ingredients except tequila, in a stainless steel pot. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to simmer, cook stirring frequently until plums soften and salsa thickens, about 20 minutes. Take off heat and stir in tequila.
Ladle hot salsa into a hot jar leaving a ½ inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Wipe jar rim. Center lid on jar and apply band, adjust to fingertip tight. Place jar in boiling water canner. Repeat until all jars are filled.
Process jars 20 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Turn off heat, remove lid, let jars stand 5 minutes. Remove jars and cool 12-24 hours. Check lids for seal, they should not flex when center is pressed.
I look forward to your comments, reviews and questions! If you love this recipe, please rate it when you leave a comment. Star ratings help people discover my recipes. Your support means a lot; thank you for being a part of the Heartbeet Kitchen community.
Hi! I’m excited to try this salsa recipe. Can I sub another type of hot pepper for the habanero? I have plenty of jalapeños coming out of the garden. Thank you!
Hi Amanda,
I’m just getting ready to start this recipe. Do you keep the skins on the plums, or do they need to be removed? Looking forward to making this! Thank you,
Maressia
I’ve made two batches of this delicious salsa so far this year. May be my new favorite! The roasted tomatoes definitely give it an extra depth of flavor. I added a tablespoon of sugar in the second batch for friends and family who are not as adventurous with the heat level and it still has a nice little kick.
oh wow this looks so good, I haven’t canned anything before so I’m keen to try it out. I don’t have the same canning set up, would boiling the water work just as well? Or a pressure cooker?
Lauren
September 14, 2024
Hi! I’m excited to try this salsa recipe. Can I sub another type of hot pepper for the habanero? I have plenty of jalapeños coming out of the garden. Thank you!
Amanda Paa
September 15, 2024
Definitely! Jalapeño works great here.
Andrea Moore
August 18, 2024
Hello!
I love the sound of this salsa and I was wondering if I could puree it and strain it to make a plum hot sauce?
Tia, Andrea
Amanda Paa
August 19, 2024
Hello! I have not tried this before, but it sounds delicious! Let me know if you do.
Maressia
October 4, 2023
Hi Amanda,
I’m just getting ready to start this recipe. Do you keep the skins on the plums, or do they need to be removed? Looking forward to making this! Thank you,
Maressia
Amanda Paa
October 4, 2023
Hello! I leave the skins on; they break down pretty well with the heat and I like the variety. Makes the recipe easier too!
Martha
September 15, 2023
I’ve made two batches of this delicious salsa so far this year. May be my new favorite! The roasted tomatoes definitely give it an extra depth of flavor. I added a tablespoon of sugar in the second batch for friends and family who are not as adventurous with the heat level and it still has a nice little kick.
Amanda Paa
September 15, 2023
I’m so glad you enjoy it, Martha! I feel like the flavors in this salsa are so fun with the plums. Thanks for making the recipe!
marquis | realrawkitchen
August 2, 2020
oh wow this looks so good, I haven’t canned anything before so I’m keen to try it out. I don’t have the same canning set up, would boiling the water work just as well? Or a pressure cooker?