Tomatillo Salsa

Tomatillo Salsa Recipe from Mexico with Jalapeño and Coriander

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tomatillo salsa is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. This tangy and slightly spicy salsa is perfect for dipping tortilla chips, topping tacos, or adding flavor to grilled meats.

History

Tomatillo salsa has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries. Tomatillos, also known as Mexican husk tomatoes, are a key ingredient in this salsa. They are small green fruits that are covered in a papery husk and have a slightly tart flavor.

Ingredients

1 large fresh jalapeño chili
1 lb (454 g) tomatillos, husks removed
1 tbsp minced fresh coriander sprigs
0.5 cup finely chopped red onion
0.5 cup sour cream
Garnish: small coriander sprig
Accompaniment: spiced curly tortilla chips or plain tortilla chips

How to prepare

Cut 2 or 3 thin slices from the tip of the jalapeño (remember to wear rubber gloves) and set them aside for garnish.
In a saucepan, simmer tomatillos and the remaining jalapeño in enough water to cover them until the tomatillos are tender, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the tomatillos, jalapeño, and 0.25 cup of the cooking liquid to a blender or food processor.
Blend the salsa until it is chopped but not completely smooth, and then transfer it to a serving bowl.
Allow the salsa to cool, and then cover and chill it until it is cold. You can prepare the salsa up to this point up to 2 days ahead and keep it chilled and covered.
Just before serving, stir in coriander, all but 1 tsp of the onion, and salt to taste into the salsa.
In a small bowl, stir the sour cream until it is smooth, and then spoon it into the center of the salsa.
Garnish the sour cream with a coriander sprig, the reserved jalapeño, and the remaining onion. Serve the salsa with chips.

Variations

Add roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.
Mix in diced avocado for a creamy texture.
Substitute cilantro for the coriander for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to wear rubber gloves when handling hot peppers to avoid irritation.

- For a spicier salsa, leave the seeds in the jalapeño. For a milder salsa, remove the seeds.

- Adjust the amount of coriander and onion to suit your taste preferences.

- For a smoother salsa, blend the ingredients for a longer period of time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve tomatillo salsa with spiced curly tortilla chips for a delicious appetizer or snack.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the tomatillos and jalapeño until tender before blending for the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find tomatillos, you can substitute green tomatoes for a similar flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Tomatillo salsa can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salsa with a small coriander sprig and sliced jalapeño for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve tomatillo salsa with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or as a topping for nachos.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover tomatillo salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of tomatillo salsa contains approximately 50 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of tomatillo salsa contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of tomatillo salsa contains approximately 3 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of tomatillo salsa contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Tomatillo salsa is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

Tomatillo salsa may contain dairy (sour cream) and is not suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Tomatillo salsa is a low-calorie condiment that is rich in vitamin C and potassium. It is a flavorful addition to any meal.

Summary

Tomatillo salsa is a flavorful and versatile condiment that is easy to make at home. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious salsa that is perfect for dipping, topping, or adding flavor to your favorite dishes. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a wonderful cook, and she always seemed to have a new recipe up her sleeve. On this particular day, she was busy chopping tomatillos, onions, and jalapenos, the vibrant colors and fresh scents filling the room.

As Maria worked her magic, I couldn't help but be intrigued by the process. I had never tasted tomatillo salsa before, and I was eager to learn how to make it. Maria noticed my curiosity and smiled, inviting me to join her in the kitchen. She explained that tomatillo salsa was a staple in Mexican cuisine, known for its tangy and spicy flavors.

As we chopped, blended, and seasoned the ingredients, Maria shared with me the story of how she learned to make tomatillo salsa. She told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, originating from her grandmother who was a talented cook. Maria's eyes sparkled as she reminisced about the memories of cooking with her grandmother in the old family kitchen.

I listened intently, absorbing every detail of the recipe and the traditions behind it. Maria's passion for cooking was contagious, and I found myself falling in love with the art of creating delicious dishes from scratch. By the time we finished making the tomatillo salsa, I knew that I had to add this recipe to my own collection.

From that day on, tomatillo salsa became a regular dish in my kitchen. I perfected the recipe through trial and error, adjusting the ingredients and proportions to suit my taste. I experimented with different variations, adding cilantro, lime juice, and garlic to enhance the flavors even more.

Over the years, I shared my tomatillo salsa with friends and family, always receiving rave reviews. The tangy and spicy flavors were a hit at gatherings and potlucks, and I was proud to have a signature dish that I could call my own. I even entered my tomatillo salsa in a local cooking competition once, and it won first prize!

As time passed, I continued to refine the recipe, making small tweaks here and there to improve the taste and texture. I learned to trust my instincts in the kitchen, adding a dash of this and a pinch of that until the flavors were just right. Cooking became a form of therapy for me, a way to express my creativity and connect with my heritage.

One day, as I was making tomatillo salsa for a family barbecue, my granddaughter approached me with a curious expression on her face. She had been watching me cook for years, absorbing my techniques and recipes like a sponge. I could see the same spark of curiosity in her eyes that I had once felt in Maria's kitchen.

I smiled and handed her a knife, inviting her to join me in making the tomatillo salsa. As we chopped and blended the ingredients together, I shared with her the story of how I had learned to make this dish. I watched with pride as she absorbed every word, her hands moving with confidence and skill.

When we finished making the tomatillo salsa, my granddaughter took a taste and her face lit up with delight. She declared it to be the best salsa she had ever tasted, and I knew that I had passed on a piece of my culinary heritage to her. In that moment, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, knowing that my love for cooking would live on through the generations.

And so, the legacy of tomatillo salsa continues in my family, a delicious reminder of the bonds we share and the traditions we cherish. As I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of spices and herbs, I can't help but be grateful for the simple joy of cooking and the memories that it brings. Cooking is not just about following a recipe, but about creating something that nourishes the body and soul, connecting us to our past and paving the way for the future. And for that, I am truly thankful.