Salsa Verde (Tomatillo and Serrano Salsa)
Local name: Salsa verde
In short: Tomatillos simmered with serrano chiles, garlic and onion, then blended with cilantro into a tangy green salsa for tacos, eggs and enchiladas. It takes about 25 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 20 kcal
Salsa verde is the tart green partner to salsa roja, made with tomatillos, the husk-covered fruits that look like small green tomatoes. They are simmered briefly with green chiles, onion and garlic, then blended with cilantro. The salsa is bright and tangy with a light heat, and it is the base for enchiladas verdes, chilaquiles and many stews. It also goes on tacos, grilled meat and eggs.
Instructions
- Rinse the husked tomatillos well under warm water to remove their sticky film.
- Put the tomatillos, serranos, onion and garlic in a saucepan and add water to cover. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the tomatillos turn olive green and soft but have not burst.
- Drain, saving 60 ml (1/4 cup) of the liquid.
- Blend the cooked vegetables with the cilantro, salt and the reserved liquid until smooth, or pulse for a chunkier texture.
- Taste and adjust the salt. Serve warm or cold, or fry the salsa in 1 tbsp oil for 5 minutes for a deeper, cooked flavor before using in enchiladas or chilaquiles.
Tips
- For a sharper raw salsa, skip the simmering and blend the raw tomatillos with the chiles, onion, garlic and cilantro. Let it rest 20 minutes before serving.
- If the salsa tastes harsh or sour, add a pinch of sugar. Overcooked tomatillos and very green fruit can both taste bitter.
Questions and answers
How long does salsa verde keep?
Up to 5 days in a covered jar in the fridge, and 2 months in the freezer. The color dulls a little over time, but the flavor stays good.
Can I use canned tomatillos?
Yes. Drain them and blend with the raw chiles, onion, garlic and cilantro, then cook the salsa in a pan for 5 minutes. The result is a little milder than fresh.
How spicy is salsa verde?
Medium. Two serranos give a clear but friendly heat. Use one jalapeño with seeds removed for a mild salsa, or add more serranos for a hotter one.
How long does it take to make Salsa Verde (Tomatillo and Serrano Salsa)?
About 25 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Salsa Verde (Tomatillo and Serrano Salsa)?
About 20 kcal per serving, with 1 g of protein, 4 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 20 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
