This is my absolute favorite salsa! I just love the combination of the sweetness of the roasted tomatillos, the bite of the serranos, and the freshness of the cilantro and lime. I now grow all these in my garden (or try to grow them at least) just so I have a good reason to make this salsa throughout the summer and fall. It’s so funny that most folks who check out my garden have no idea what the tomatillos are. They always ask me what I’m growing there. I do so love the way they form little papery packets around the tomatillo fruit, looking a bit like a Japanese lantern. They’re a beautiful (and tasty) addition to the garden. And perfect for salsa!

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Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

  • Author: Stacey McNeill

Description

This recipe makes a good sized batch of salsa. Quantities are very flexible, based on your tastes and what you have on hand. Often I don’t have enough tomatillos, and just make a half batch, but that’s still enough for a nice appetizer with tortilla chips or to enjoy on tacos, quesadillas, or your favorite Mexican dishes.


Ingredients

  • 2 pounds tomatillos
  • 4-6 medium sized serrano peppers (Jalapenos can also be used, but won’t give as much heat)
  • 1 large onion, cut into large chunks
  • 4 cloves garlic, unpeeled
  • 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, washed and trimmed
  • 2 Tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Peel and rinse tomatillos to remove any sticky residue. Place tomatillos, peppers, onion and garlic in a broiler pan and place under the broiler for a few minutes until they are beginning to brown. Turn the veggies over and allow to brown under the broiler for another few minutes. This should take 7 to 8 minutes total time. Set the veggies aside to cool a bit.
  2. Peel garlic and peppers. Remove stem of the peppers, cut in half and use a sharp knife to scrape out the seeds (unless you like your salsa REALLY spicy). Because peppers vary in size and heat, I suggest setting starting with just a couple peppers and adding more if you want your salsa to be more spicy.
  3. Place a couple peppers, garlic and the rest of the ingredients in a food processor and chop until well combined. It shouldn’t take more than 30 seconds or so.
  4. Taste and add more roasted peppers, salt, lime or other seasoning if desired.