Salsa verde is a bright and tangy Mexican sauce made from tomatillos, which give it a vibrant green color and a slightly tart flavor. This homemade version is a perfect balance of heat from the jalapeño or serrano pepper, earthiness from garlic and onion, and freshness from cilantro and lime.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, stemmed (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for a smoother texture)
Instructions:
- Place the tomatillos in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until they soften.
- Drain the tomatillos and let them cool slightly.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked tomatillos, onion, garlic, pepper, cilantro, and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
- Taste and add salt as needed.
- Optional: For a smoother salsa, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the blended salsa and simmer for 5-7 minutes.