Hunger can strike at any time, even sometimes when you least expect it. From longtime primal eating extremists to Paleo “newbies,” everyone needs a snack from time to time. Devising some Paleo-friendly treats is critical to successfully adhering to the lifestyle’s multiple dietary restrictions, especially since all those quick, easily obtained convenience foods are rarely Paleo-approved. The recipes you’ll find in this chapter—from Coconut Crisps to Cracked Pepper Crackers to Blistering Beef Jerky—have a variety of hot and spicy flavors and are guaranteed to fill you up with the foods you want and the flavors you crave. These fiery creations are packed with a diverse array of peppery, savory, and aromatic ingredients, yielding snacks that are nothing short of irresistible.
Enjoy this salsa as a spicy, nutritious, low-calorie dip, as a marinade, or as a complementary side to your favorite Southwest-inspired dish! Cooking these ingredients in a slow cooker allows the tomatoes and jalapeños to soften and provide acidity, so the vegetables can break down and the flavors can meld together. Try increasing the heat by adding half of a habanero pepper, or sweeten it up a bit with some mango or pineapple chunks.
Serves 16
• 10 fresh Roma or plum tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 jalapeño peppers, stems removed and chopped (remove seeds for milder salsa)
• 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1⁄2 teaspoon lemon juice
1. Place chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, and chopped onions in a 3–4-quart slow cooker and stir to combine.
2. Stir jalapeño peppers and bell peppers into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 21⁄2–3 hours.
3. When cool, combine mixture with cilantro leaves and lemon juice and blend in a food processor until desired consistency is reached.
