Audra Nemirow/The Hofstra Chronicle

When my mother makes kumquat salsa, she always manages to make it unbelievably refreshing because she grows most of her own vegetables. Now, I didn’t inherit her green thumb; everything I touch dies. But I’m sure that even if you had my mother’s gardening capabilities, a dorm-room isn’t the best place for growing vegetables. But don’t worry – this simple recipe is delicious even if you have to trek to Stop & Shop for your ingredients. This recipe makes two servings of salsa.

Recipe adapted from SimplyRecipes.com

Ingredients:

2 cups chopped, cleaned and thinly sliced kumquats

½ cup chopped red onion

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

3 tablespoons olive oil

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

A dash of cayenne pepper

A pinch of kosher salt

Instructions:

Combine ingredients by mixing them in a bowl, adding salt and cayenne to taste.

Cover bowl and allow ingredients to sit in the fridge for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld.

Serve salsa on its own or alongside your favorite dish. My mother recommends it on fish tacos.

Enjoy!