Pico de Gallo -- a.k.a. Salsa Fresca

This fresh (uncooked) salsa is a very basic dish.  It can be
served as a table condiment or can be put right into many dishes
such as omelettes or steamed vegetables.

3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
4-5 chile peppers: ancho, serrano, chipotle, or jalapeno
  (these determine the flavor and spiciness of the dish)
1 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
1 lime, flesh + juice
1 tsp fresh ground black pepper

Mix it all up in a bowl.  Let it sit in the fridge, covered, for
at least an hour before party time.  

There are many variations possible.  You can cut back on the
tomatoes and instead introduce the juice & flesh of an orange
or a papaya.