Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Recipe - Mexican Cuisine

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 7 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa is a delicious and tangy salsa made with roasted tomatillos, chiles, garlic, and onions. This salsa is perfect for dipping tortilla chips, topping tacos, or adding flavor to your favorite dishes.

History

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa has its origins in Mexican cuisine, where tomatillos are a staple ingredient. Tomatillos are small green fruits that are similar in appearance to tomatoes but have a slightly tangy flavor. Roasting the tomatillos, chiles, and garlic adds depth and complexity to the salsa, making it a popular condiment in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) of fresh tomatillos or 3 (11 oz (312 g)) cans of tomatillos
5 fresh serrano chiles
3 unpeeled garlic cloves
0.5 cup of fresh cilantro
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
2 tsp of coarse salt

How to prepare

Preheat the broiler.
If using fresh tomatillos, remove the husks and rinse them under warm water to remove stickiness.
If using canned tomatillos, drain them and measure out 2 cups.
Broil the chiles, garlic, and fresh tomatillos (do not broil canned tomatillos) on the rack of a broiler pan, positioned 1 to 2 inches from the heat. Turn them once and broil until the tomatillos are softened and slightly charred, which takes about 7 minutes.
Peel the garlic and remove the tops of the chiles.
Purée all the ingredients in a blender.
The salsa can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.

Variations

Add roasted poblano peppers for a smoky flavor.
Blend in avocado for a creamy texture.
Stir in diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and spicy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to remove the husks and rinse the fresh tomatillos to remove any stickiness before roasting.

- Broil the ingredients until the tomatillos are softened and slightly charred for the best flavor.

- Adjust the amount of chiles to suit your spice preference.

- Store the salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Roasted Tomatillo Salsa with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or as a topping for enchiladas or burritos.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the tomatillos, chiles, and garlic adds depth and smokiness to the salsa. Blending the ingredients together creates a smooth and flavorful salsa.

Ingredient Substitutions

If fresh tomatillos are not available, you can use canned tomatillos as a substitute. Adjust the amount of chiles to suit your spice preference.

Make Ahead Tips

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa can be made 1 day ahead and chilled in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop over time.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Roasted Tomatillo Salsa in a colorful bowl garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. Add a lime wedge for squeezing over the salsa before serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Roasted Tomatillo Salsa with a refreshing margarita or a cold Mexican beer. Serve with a side of guacamole and chips for a complete appetizer spread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Roasted Tomatillo Salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Roasted Tomatillo Salsa contains approximately 30 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Roasted Tomatillo Salsa contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa is low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

This salsa is a low-protein dish, with less than 1 gram of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Tomatillos are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. The salsa also contains antioxidants from the fresh cilantro.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. However, it contains garlic and onions, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa is a low-calorie, low-fat, and low-carb condiment that is packed with flavor and nutrients from fresh tomatillos, chiles, and cilantro.

Summary

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa is a flavorful and versatile condiment that adds a tangy kick to your favorite dishes. With a balance of spicy chiles, roasted tomatillos, and fresh cilantro, this salsa is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy it with chips, tacos, or as a topping for grilled meats for a taste of Mexico in every bite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a hot summer day and I was browsing through a local farmers market, looking for fresh ingredients to inspire my next culinary creation. As I walked past a vendor's stand, a vibrant pile of tomatillos caught my eye. Their bright green color and papery husks were so intriguing, I couldn't resist buying a few to experiment with.

I had never cooked with tomatillos before, but I was excited to learn something new. As I chatted with the farmer about how to prepare them, he shared with me his family recipe for Roasted Tomatillo Salsa. He explained that tomatillos are a staple in Mexican cuisine, known for their tangy flavor and versatility in dishes like salsa verde.

I couldn't wait to get home and try out the recipe. The first step was to husk and wash the tomatillos, then roast them in the oven until they were soft and slightly charred. As they cooked, their tart aroma filled my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Next, I combined the roasted tomatillos with garlic, jalapeños, onions, and cilantro in a blender. I pulsed the mixture until it was smooth, pausing to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and lime juice. The salsa was bright green and bursting with flavor, a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and fresh.

I scooped some of the salsa onto a tortilla chip and took a bite. The zesty tomatillos and fiery jalapeños danced on my taste buds, creating a delicious harmony of flavors. I knew right then and there that this Roasted Tomatillo Salsa would become a staple in my recipe collection.

Over the years, I have made this salsa countless times, tweaking and perfecting the recipe with each batch. I have shared it with friends and family at backyard barbecues, potluck dinners, and holiday gatherings, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

One of my most cherished memories involving this salsa was when my grandchildren came over for a visit. They had never tried tomatillos before and were curious to see what I was cooking. I explained to them the process of roasting the tomatillos and blending them with other ingredients to create the salsa.

As the salsa simmered on the stove, the kids eagerly helped me chop vegetables and squeeze fresh lime juice. They were so excited to taste the final product, dipping tortilla chips into the salsa and licking their fingers with delight. They couldn't get enough of the tangy, spicy flavor, begging me to make more.

I love passing down my recipes to the next generation, sharing the culinary knowledge and experiences that have shaped my own love for cooking. The Roasted Tomatillo Salsa has become a family favorite, a dish that brings us together and creates lasting memories around the dinner table.

As I sit here, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover this delicious salsa recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the people and places that have inspired me along the way. From the farmers market vendor who shared his family recipe with me, to my grandchildren who eagerly helped me cook, each moment has added a layer of love and tradition to this dish.

I may have learned how to make Roasted Tomatillo Salsa from various sources, but the real magic lies in the joy and connection it brings to those who taste it. I hope that this recipe will continue to be a beacon of warmth and hospitality in my kitchen for years to come, a reminder of the power of good food to bring us together in love and laughter.