This recipe was updated on 7/10/24 to include new photos and information. It was originally published on 10/21/16. Even I have a number of different kinds that I make, all variations on a theme, like this Mexican Green Table Sauce with Avocado, or my Homemade Green Enchilada Sauce with Roasted Tomatillos. The key ingredient to a good salsa verde is the tomatillo. Of course tomatillos alone do not a salsa verde make, but without them, it’s pretty difficult. Do not confuse them with unripened green tomatoes. While tomatillos have a slight bitterness, they are sweeter and fruitier than unripened green tomatoes and make for a MUCH better salsa verde. The insides are meatier as well, where tomatoes are juicier. In fact, tomatillos are not tomatoes at all, but come from a completely different plant. This recipe is one of the simplest versions of a salsa verde - simple, but perfect. Let’s talk about how to make salsa verde!
Tomatillos. Serrano Peppers. Or use jalapeno peppers for a milder salsa verde. Garlic Cloves. White Onion. Red onion is good, too. Fresh Cilantro. Salt. Lime Juice. Optional. Not all authentic Mexican recipes for salsa verde include lime juice, and it’s not necessarily traditional. Some of my Mexican cookbooks include lime, but you’ll get enough acidity and tartness from the tomatillos.
Roast them for 15 minutes, until the skins char and bubble, then transfer to a blender or food processor. Add the remaining ingredients and process to your desired consistency. Boom! Done! Your homemade salsa verde is ready to serve. Adjust for salt and serve it up! You can refrigerate it and let the flavors mingle a bit more. When roasting the tomatillos and chilies, consider adding the onion and garlic to the roasting pan for more roasted vegetable flavor. Pour it into squeeze bottles to serve with your Taco Recipes and it becomes a Mexican green table sauce. Pour it into small hot sauce bottles and it becomes a hot sauce for you. It makes a great sauce as well. Try it with pasta for an outstanding Spaghetti Verde or Green Chicken Chili. I hope you enjoy my homemade salsa verde recipe. Check out my other Hot Sauce Recipes, too. You can process salsa verde in a water bath for long term preservation, but it is best to shoot for a pH of 3.5 or lower for home preserving. Just be sure to use proper canning/jarring safety procedures. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! – Mike H.
