Gimme The Loot is a new recurring feature showcasing products and items I love. It is never sponsored or a paid advertisement, it’s simply created on the insistence of my belly.

I am a hater of jarred salsa. Sorry, I know it’s convenient and easy to buy, but the flavour and spice level cannot be compared to when it’s fresh. I’ve given the Garden Fresh Gourmet Salsas found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores a try, but I find them overly sweet and way too mild. Making it at home requires a lot of tiny dicing and I can never get the right balance of acidity and spice. So I’m happy to report the one place in Toronto that serves my favourite fresh salsa also sells it to-go.

Head straight to Kensington Market’s Jumbo Empanada (245 Augusta Ave., near Nassau) for a container of their Fresh Salsa and I promise you’ll never go back to jarred. The mixture of tomato, jalapeno, garlic, cilantro, and whatever other secret ingredients they use results in a garlic-heavy tang with a significant kick. If you can’t handle your spice, just use a tiny bit, but if you can take the heat, pile it on. Best of all, it’s good with everything: tortilla chips, eggs for breakfast, pan-fried fish and of course, the Chilean cheese empanada I also can’t leave the restaurant without.

Jumbo Empanadas’ Fresh Salsa is $3.40 for a small container, $5.65 for medium and $8 for large (pictured at top).

Jumbo Empanada / 245 Augusta Ave., Toronto
416 977 0056 / Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 11am-6pm