Tomatillo-Serrano Sauce (Salsa Verde) Step-by-Step
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4 (2 cups)
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Calories
19 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
Mexican, Vegetarian
Tomatillo-Serrano Sauce (Salsa Verde) Step-by-Step
Description
The sauce begins by husking and rinsing fresh tomatillos, removing stems, then roasting them at a high temperature until their color changes to a muted green, which develops their flavor with slight caramelization. These roasted tomatillos are blended with a small amount of onion, garlic, fresh cilantro sprigs including tender stems, and a portion of serrano pepper, which delivers the heat component.
The blending is done gradually, adding serrano in increments to control spiciness according to taste. Salt is added sparingly to enhance the flavors without overpowering them. The resulting sauce has a tangy, moderately spicy profile with fresh herbal notes from the cilantro and a subtle sharpness from the garlic and onion.
This salsa verde is best served fresh and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It complements dishes such as grilled meats, tacos, or as a dipping sauce. Careful handling of hot chiles is advised to avoid irritation, and substitutions like jalapeno can be used if serranos are unavailable.
Ingredients
- 4-5 tomatillo medium-sized
- 1 jalapeno pepper or serrano
- 1/2 onion yellow is OK, small, white
- 1 garlic clove
- 10-12 cilantro sprigs
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Pull the husks off the tomatillos and give them a good rinse. Cut the stems out of the tomatillos.
- Roast the tomatillos in a 400F oven for 10-20 minutes or until they start to turn army green in color.
- Add the tomatillos to a blender along with 1/2 small onion, 1 peeled garlic clove, 10-12 sprigs cilantro (using the upper stems is fine), and 1/4 of the serrano pepper. (Be sure to give the cilantro and serrano a good rinse.)
- Pulse blend and taste for heat level. If you want more spice add another quarter of serrano. Keep adding serrano until it tastes "right" to you.
- Salt to taste (I typically do not add much salt).
- Serve immediately and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
- Gradually add serrano peppers to adjust heat level to your preference.
- Handle hot peppers carefully, washing hands soon after to avoid skin and eye irritation.
- Use serrano or substitute with jalapeno if needed.
- Use upper cilantro stems along with leaves for flavor; discard thicker bottom stems.
- Serve salsa fresh and refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4(2 cups)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 19 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 19kcal | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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