Tomatillo Salsa Verde (aka That Green Sauce at the Mexican Restaurant)
Whatever you call it, tomatillo sauce, salsa verde, or that green sauce at the Mexican restaurant, this tomatillo salsa verde is an easy recipe you can prepare in minutes for your favorite snack or meal.
When you bring these home from the market, leave the husks on until you’re ready to use them.
They will last for about 2 weeks, but try to use them as soon as you can for better nutrient density and flavor.
We happen to be a divided household, so we flip flop between the spicy and non-spicy versions depending upon who will be joining us at the table. If you want the jalapeno flavor without all the heat, be sure to scrape out the inside light colored flesh and seeds.
This tomatillo salsa verde recipe is an easy way to add fresh flavors to snacks and meals in just a few minutes.
- 5-8 Tomatillos (Husk removed, tomatillo washed, stem scar removed, then quartered)
- 1/4 Cup White Onion ( Sliced or diced)
- 1 Jalapeno or Serrano Pepper (Stem removed, seeds/lighter inside flesh removed for milder heat, then halved or quartered)
- 1-2 Cloves Garlic (Peeled and stem scar removed)
- 1/2 Teaspoon Cumin
- 1/4 Cup Cilantro (Fresh, chopped)
- 1 Tablespoon Lime juice
- Salt & Pepper (To taste)
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Distribute tomatillos, onions, and garlic on your lined baking sheet or dry skillet and heat on medium/high (skillet-about 5-10 minutes) or 400° (preheated oven-about 15-20 minutes) or until you begin to see browning.
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Place all other ingredients (except salt) in your blender or food processor. Add your cooked ingredients and blend/process until you reach your preferred smoothness.
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Add your salt (optional) until you reach your preferred taste.
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Serve.
- I prefer using a silicone sheet in my baking sheet when roasting my tomatillos in the oven.
- Consider adding 1-2 tablespoons of water if you use a skillet and experience sticking problems.
Oven or Stove Top
Definitely roast or saute your ingredients before putting everything together in your blender or processor. Just a little cooking brings out the flavor, and you end up with a tastier salsa.
So Many Possibilities
Of course this is a great dipping sauce, but what about changing things up a bit. Try topping your favorite tacos and salads or maybe a big bowl of roasted vegetables and rice for a big flavor addition. Or what about adding a spoonful to your favorite bowl of beans or combining with some delicious hummus or guacamole.
Just thinking about it is making me hungry.
Also keep in mind that there’s probably a hundred different ways to make tomatillo salsa verde, depending upon where you are, who you’re talking to, and so definitely consider this recipe as one to play around with when you get comfortable with it.
How about:
- no roasted ingredients for a slightly bitter, cold salsa
- roasted ingredients but no garlic and cumin
- stick with the same ingredients but serve warm vs cold
And just in case you’re looking for more ideas, definitely check these out:
