Tomatillo Salsa Verde

Tomatillo Salsa Verde by DK on Dec 16, 2010

Though Pico de gallo seems to be the most commonly known Mexican salsa, I have come to know that this "Green salsa" or "Green Sauce", which is what "Salsa Verde" stands for, is more common in a Mexican table! This version of salsa is very flexible - its enjoyed chunky, smooth, mildly hot or not hot at all, cooked or raw etc. etc. It all comes down to the diner's palate. We like our sauces/dips chunky and do not enjoy "hot" dishes. Hence have kept it simple and mild.

When I shifted to the US few years ago, I was an avid watcher of this show called "America's Test kitchen" which threw light on the intricacies and science of various dishes spanning different regions. I noted down their recipe and the methodology and I have followed it ever since cos I find it perfect to suit our requirements. Buy the freshest tomatillo cos the best ones gives the best flavors (duh!). The outer husk of the fresh tomatillos will be dry and papery. The tomatillos will be bright green with a fruity smell. Mexican Tomatillo Salsa Verde (Green Sauce Recipe)

The show suggested that canned ones can be used as a substitute instead of fresh too although I have never done it personally.

Cook time: Under 15 min
Prep time: Under 15 min
Serves: 2 people
Yields: Makes about 2-1/2 cups

Ingredients

1 pound fresh tomatillos (about 6-8), husked and washed
1 small onion, chopped coarse ( I diced them into small pieces)
1 medium jalapeno chile, seeds and ribs removed (retain them to add them into the salsa if you prefer the heat)
1 garlic clove, minced (garlic press works best)
about 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 tbsp juice of 1 lime
salt to taste

Method

1. Bring about 2 quarts of water to a boil in a large pan. Add in 2 tsp of salt and the tomatillos into the water and cook till the color of the tomatillos dull slightly. They should be tender but not mushy. Takes about 6-10 minutes (depending on gas/electric range)

2. Drain them and drop them in ice cold water and let cool for few minutes. ( you can prepare an ice bath too).

3. Drain them once again and transfer to a food processor. I instead chopped them into chunks.

4. Add the remaining ingredients with salt (if needed) and give them a good toss.

It keeps well in air tight container in a fridge for up to 5 days. Return to room temp. and season with salt and lime juice if needed before serving. I served them with baked Blue Corn Tortilla Chips.

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recipe courtesy america's test kitchen

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10 Comments

By Clarisse on Jan 24, 2013

Tomatillo's are NOT green tomatoes. They are not tomatoes at all. The tomatillo is a plant of the nightshade family, related to the cape gooseberry, bearing small, spherical and green or green-purple fruit of the same name. Tomatillos originated in Mexico, and are a staple of that country's cuisine.

By Rabaa on Aug 4, 2011

it's amazing but if i dont have green tomato what i do

This dish is about Green tomatoes hence without it you cannot make it. Instead you can try making the Pica de gallo recipe that is on the left bar under the related recipes section

By Julie on Feb 6, 2011

:-D

By Cynthia on Dec 20, 2010

This can go with so many things.

By James on Dec 17, 2010

Instead of dropping in hot water. Stick them under a broiler until skin is charred. Peel off the black parts and do the rest of the recipe. Makes a much more intense taste.

By Caroline on Dec 17, 2010

I love tomatillo salsa, though I have yet to make it. I don't understand why I find salsa intimidating, it seems so incredibly simple. This recipe only contains a few ingredients and all but the tomatillos are already in my pantry. I may have to conquer my fear and give it a try!

By Priya on Dec 17, 2010

Extremely irresistible..

By Tweets that mention Tomatillo Salsa Verde Recipe (Mexican Green Sauce) | Chef In You -- Topsy.com on Dec 16, 2010

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by salsacityhoppers and D_K, D_K. D_K said: A great dip/salsa as a starter for entertaining the coming Holiday season. http://fb.me/vG0mYM3p [...]

By Tomatillo Salsa Verde on Dec 16, 2010

[...] which is what “Salsa Verde” stands for, is more common in a Mexican table! This... [full post] DK Chef In You appetizerscondimentscinco de mayocourse 0 0 0 [...]

By Reva on Dec 16, 2010

Lovely salsa, yummy...