Tomatillo Salsa is one of my favorite Mexican sauces. My recipe for an Authentic Mexican Tomatillo Salsa is a little tart, a little spicy, and very versatile. This salsa verde is a beautiful bright green and has a hint of smokiness from the roasting. Salsa Verde can be used the same way you use tomato salsa.
What are Tomatillos?
Tomatillo is pronounced tow·muh·tee·ow. Tomatillos originated in Mexico and are either green or purple (usually green) covered in a papery husk. Although they are in the same family as the tomato plant they are not green tomatoes. Under the husk, tomatillos are sticky as though they are covered in tree sap and have a similar appearance to a green tomato. The green tomatillos are tart and the purple or reddish ones are more sweet than sour.
Ingredients for Tomatillo Salsa
My Tomatillo Salsa is a very simple recipe with only 5-ingredients plus salt. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare and it can be either oven-roasted or pan-roasted. However, I prefer roasting it on the stovetop in a dry skillet.
- Tomatillo: These are the main ingredient in tomatillo salsa. They’re what gives the sauce its beautiful color and slightly tart flavor.
- Peppers: Serrano or jalapeno peppers can be used for heat and flavor. However, serrano chilies will be hotter than jalapenos. I personally prefer the flavor of jalapenos in tomatillo salsa. Seeds and the white membrane inside the pepper can be removed for less heat.
- Roasted Garlic: Roasting the garlic produces a mellowed, slightly sweet flavor that adds complexity to the tomatillo salsa
- White Onions: Cut into quarters, the caramelized onions have a deep, rich flavor.
- Fresh Cilantro: AKA coriander depending on which country you’re in. Cilantro is the only ingredient not roasted in the tomatillo salsa. The flavor and intense green color add brightness, warmth, and depth to the salsa. That amazing green color is the Verde in this Salsa.
How to use Tomatillo Salsa
I use my tomatillo sauce on a wide variety of Mexican or Tex-Mex recipes. I love this salsa on chicken, fish, and pork tacos, spinach enchiladas, pork, and Carne de Puerco con nopales en salsa verde, huevos rancheros, you name it. Salsa Verde is excellent as an appetizer with tortilla chips!
This is how to make Authentic Mexican Tomatillo Salsa | Salsa Verde
Authentic Mexican Tomatillo Salsa | Salsa Verde
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 10 Tomatillos Husk removed
- 1/2 White Onion
- 5 Cloves Garlic Skin on for roasting
- 2-3 Jalapeños Or Serrano peppers. Seeds removed for medium heat
- 3/4 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Bunch Cilantro Stems and leaves
- 1/4 Cup Water
Instructions
- Add everything except salt and cilantro to a dry skillet over medium heat. Roast for 15 minutes, turn and roast for an additional 15 minutes
- Place all ingredients in a blender, blend until smooth
