Pollo en Salsa Verde

Pollo en Salsa Verde Recipe | Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pollo en Salsa Verde, or Chicken in Green Sauce, is a traditional Mexican dish that is bursting with flavor and vibrant colors. The combination of tender chicken simmered in a tangy and slightly spicy green sauce made from pumpkin seeds, tomatillos, and cilantro is sure to delight your taste buds.

History

This dish has been enjoyed in Mexico for generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the recipe. The use of pumpkin seeds in the sauce adds a rich and nutty flavor that sets this dish apart from other chicken recipes.

Ingredients

Chicken with Pumpkin Seed Sauce

0.5 cup (125 ml) of shelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
1 cup (250 ml) of chopped cilantro (coriander leaves)
1 cup (250 ml) of chopped scallions (spring onions)
1 cup (250 ml) of chopped canned or fresh tomatillos
1 jalapeño or other hot green chile, seeded and chopped, or to taste
Approximately 0.5 cup (125 ml) of chicken stock or water
3 tbsp (45 ml) of vegetable oil
2 – 3 lb (900 – 1350 g) of chicken parts
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

How to prepare

Toast the pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over moderate heat until they are lightly browned, which should take around 2 to 3 minutes.
Combine the toasted pumpkin seeds, cilantro, scallions, tomatillos, jalapeño, and enough chicken stock in a blender. Blend until you achieve a smooth and thin paste.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy skillet, preferably non-stick, over moderate heat.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then proceed to brown it on all sides in the hot oil.
Add the green sauce and enough additional chicken stock to create a thin and soupy sauce.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered until the chicken becomes tender. This should take approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

Variations

Substitute chicken thighs for chicken parts for a richer and more flavorful dish.
Add diced potatoes or carrots to the sauce for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Toasting the pumpkin seeds before blending them will enhance their flavor and give the sauce a delicious nuttiness.

- Be sure to season the chicken well before browning it to ensure that it is flavorful throughout.

- Simmering the chicken in the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and creates a tender and juicy final dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pollo en Salsa Verde with rice, beans, and warm tortillas for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the pumpkin seeds before blending them will enhance their flavor.

- Browning the chicken before simmering it in the sauce will add depth of flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If tomatillos are not available, you can substitute green tomatoes or green bell peppers for a similar flavor profile.

- If you are allergic to pumpkin seeds, you can use sunflower seeds or almonds as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the green sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply brown the chicken and simmer it in the sauce until cooked through.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Pollo en Salsa Verde in a shallow bowl with a generous spoonful of the green sauce drizzled over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a slice of lime for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of Mexican street corn for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken stock if needed to prevent the sauce from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 5g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 10% of daily value per serving

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: Tree nuts (pumpkin seeds)

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and iron, while also providing a healthy dose of vitamin C. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Pollo en Salsa Verde is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its vibrant green sauce and tender chicken, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Mexico. My abuela, my grandmother, was the one who first introduced me to the wonders of cooking. She would spend hours in the kitchen, stirring pots and pans, filling the air with the most delicious aromas.

One day, as I sat at her kitchen table watching her work her magic, she pulled out an old, worn recipe book from a dusty shelf. It was filled with yellowed pages and faded writing, a treasure trove of recipes passed down through generations. As she flipped through the pages, she came across a recipe for Pollo en Salsa Verde. I watched as her eyes lit up with excitement, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

"This is a special recipe, mi nieta," she said, her voice filled with nostalgia. "It was given to me by a dear friend many years ago. She taught me how to make it when I was just a young girl like you."

Intrigued, I leaned in closer as she began to explain the ingredients and the steps involved in making this dish. Tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro, garlic – the list went on and on. I could practically taste the tangy, spicy salsa already.

Over the next few hours, my abuela guided me through the process of preparing Pollo en Salsa Verde. She showed me how to marinate the chicken in a mixture of lime juice and spices, how to roast the tomatillos and jalapeños until they were charred and smoky, how to blend everything together into a vibrant green sauce. The kitchen was filled with the most enticing scents, a symphony of flavors coming together in perfect harmony.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived. We sat down at the table, a steaming platter of Pollo en Salsa Verde in front of us. The chicken was tender and juicy, the salsa tangy and spicy, the whole dish bursting with flavor. I took a bite, savoring the explosion of tastes on my tongue. It was like nothing I had ever experienced before – a revelation, a culinary epiphany.

From that day on, Pollo en Salsa Verde became a staple in our household. My abuela would make it for special occasions, for Sunday dinners, for family gatherings. It was a dish that brought us together, that created memories we would cherish for a lifetime.

As I grew older and ventured out into the world, I carried the recipe for Pollo en Salsa Verde with me wherever I went. I made it for friends, for roommates, for anyone who was curious enough to try it. Each time, I would remember my abuela and the joy she took in sharing her love of cooking with me.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of home, I can't help but feel grateful for those moments spent with my abuela all those years ago. The recipe for Pollo en Salsa Verde is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions – it is a link to my past, a reminder of the love and dedication that went into creating it.

And so, as I take a bite of the Pollo en Salsa Verde I have just prepared, I can't help but smile. The flavors dance on my palate, transporting me back to that tiny kitchen in Mexico, to the warmth and laughter that filled the air. In that moment, I am not just a cook – I am a storyteller, a keeper of traditions, a guardian of memories. And I know that as long as I continue to make Pollo en Salsa Verde, my abuela's spirit will always be with me, guiding me, inspiring me, loving me.