Simply Irresistible Salsa Verde (Tomatillo Salsa)
Tangy tomatillos are roasted and simply blended with onions, serrano pepper, lime juice and cilantro in this Simply Irresistible Salsa Verde recipe. Grab an extra bag of chips for noshing, as you’re going to want to have this snack on hand all week!
Happy Cinco de Mayo
Happy Cinco de Mayo friends! There’s no better time than this Fifth Day of May to celebrate Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla and share my secret obsession with Salsa Verde. And my incredibly simple preparation of it –Simply Irresistible Salsa Verde (Tomatillo Salsa).
I find Salsa Verde to be completely irresistible! I love it so much that I view the chips that accompany it as simply a vehicle for getting that good green stuff into my mouth! I love enchiladas…. smothered in Salsa Verde. I love street tacos – you guessed it – served with Salsa Verde. I have a beating heart for cilantro, and firmly believe it is this love that has led to Salsa Verde’s drinkability factor. It. Is. Delicious!
The Tart and Tangy Tomatillo
The tart and tangy tomatillo is native to Mexico and is a staple in several Mexican dishes. That’s why it’s perfect on your table this Cinco de Mayo!
Tomatillos belong to the same plant family as tomatoes, peppers and eggplants – the nightshade family. In some regions tomatillos are referred to as Mexican Husk Tomatoes or even Husk Cherries. As a tomatillo grows, it forms a light brown, almost papery husk that breaks off when it ripens.
Noteworthy Nutrition
Vitamin C – Essential to immune system function.
Niacin – Or Vitamin B3, aids in the proper functioning of fats and sugars in the body. Helps with heart disease due to its effects on blood clotting.
Magnesium- Can help improve your mood, sleep and even exercise performance!
This recipe uses simple ingredients and simple preparation to create a satisfying salsa that combines smoky, fresh and tangy flavors. The picture above (plus some salt and pepper) is all that is needed to make your own homemade salsa in a flash – tomatillos, cilantro, garlic, onions, serrano pepper and lime juice. Impress yourself, and your friends this Cinco de Mayo by preparing your very own Simply Irresistible Salsa Verde!
Roasting the Tomatillo and Serrano Pepper First
The roasting process will soften the tomatillos for easier blending. They will become juicier and sweeter when roasted. Because the tomatillos will char during the cooking process, roasting the fruit also creates a smokiness that adds so much depth to the salsa. The serrano pepper will also benefit from roasting as it softens the pepper and creates a sweeter flavor.
Toss the roasted vegetables in a blender with raw garlic, onion, lime juice, cilantro and salt and pepper. Blend until desired consistency is reached. Enjoy with tortilla chips. Or not. No shame in your game!
Enjoy! And if you like the recipe, please share on Pinterest, or snap a photo of your creation and tag me on Twitter, or Instagram!
Simply Irresistible Salsa Verde
Equipment
- 1 Blender
- 1 Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 6 Tomatillos
- 1 Serrano Pepper large
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- ½ C White Onion diced
- 1 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice (1-2 limes)
- ½ C Fresh Cilantro Leaves
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- ¼ tsp Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven to 425 ℉. Prepare the tomatillos by removing the husks and washing to remove any sticky residue on the fruit.
- Roast the tomatillos and the serrano pepper on a baking sheet for 15 minutes. While the tomatillos and pepper roast, peel the garlic and dice the onions for blending. Wash the cilantro and remove the leaves from the stems.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes to safely handle. Remove the stem from the serrano and de-seed the pepper.
- Throw all the ingredients into a blender and pulse until a smooth consistency is achieved. Serve with chips and enjoy!