Tomatillo Salsa

One way to spice up an otherwise bland dish is by adding a side of zesty salsa. This tomatillo salsa recipe, in particular, has all the key components of a mouthwatering sauce, like a pop of heat thanks to the tongue-tingling jalapeno peppers and a punch of acidity from the freshly squeezed lime juice.

However, the vibrant green tomatillo is the real star of the show in this recipe. Thanks to its refreshing, citrusy aroma, it adds a surprising twist to a usual staple. Best of all, this salsa with tomatillos recipe is ideal for preparing on short notice, as it takes no more than 20 minutes to come together in a food processor. Even better, when it’s paired with chips, tacos or grilled vegetables, finding new ways to use every last drop of this salsa won’t be an issue.

Tomatillo Salsa Ingredients

• Tomatillos: When shopping for ripe tomatillos, look for ones with a vivid, pea-like green hue and ones that feel slightly soft when gently squeezed.
• Tomato: For best results when making this salsa recipe, choose tomatoes with a meatier, denser consistency, such as Roma or beefsteak tomatoes.
• Onion: If you prefer a more subdued onion flavor in your salsa, a simple trick is to soak the sliced onion in a bowl of cold or iced water for a few minutes ahead of time. This helps to mellow out the sharpness of raw onions.
• Jalapeno pepper: To increase the spice level, leave a few seeds of the pepper behind when you de-seed them.
• Cilantro: To help prolong the life of cilantro, refrigerate it in a jar filled with clean water—with only the stems submerged.
• Garlic: Jarred garlic can be used instead of fresh garlic, in a pinch. However, jarred garlic has a much milder flavor than its fresh counterpart. The rule of thumb is to use 1/2 teaspoon of minced jarred garlic instead of one clove of fresh garlic.
• Lime: The lime in this recipe offers the right amount of acidity and tartness to help brighten the dish. To make an even tangier salsa, increase the amount of lime juice to taste.
• Cumin: Cumin is a key ingredient in this tomatillo salsa recipe. It adds warmth and a smoky, rich flavor to enhance the aromas of this simple dish.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the tomatillos

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In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Then add the tomatillos. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for five minutes. Drain the ingredients.

Editor’s Tip: Although tomatillos can be consumed raw, simmering them in hot water helps reduce their acidity, which highlights their sweeter, milder undertones.

Step 2: Prepare the salsa

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Place the tomatillos, tomato, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, garlic, lime juice and seasonings in a food processor. Cover and process them until blended. Serve the salsa with chips.

Editor’s Tip: If you prefer a chunkier consistency, avoid overblending your tomatillo salsa by slowly pulsing the ingredients in the food processor.

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Tomatillo Salsa Variations

• Use a mortar and pestle: Instead of a food processor, you can use a mortar and pestle or molcajete (a traditional Mexican mortar and pestle) to crush the ingredients into the desired texture.
• Swap tomatillos with green tomatoes: Tomatillos have a unique taste that’s challenging to substitute. However, if you can’t find them, unripe green tomatoes may offer a similar flavor.

How to Store Tomatillo Salsa

This tomatillos salsa recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to seven days. A glass or nonreactive container is preferred, as it helps prevent interactions with the salsa’s acidic ingredients.

Tomatillo Salsa Tips

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What is salsa made of?

Most traditional salsa recipes include an assortment of fresh produce, including tomatoes, onions, cilantro and lime. However, many variations of salsa exist. Some of the most common types of salsa include pico de gallo, salsa verde and salsa roja.

What does a tomatillo taste like?

Raw tomatillos have a slightly acidic flavor with bright, fresh, tangy notes. However, when cooked, tomatillos become much milder and sweeter, akin to the taste of fresh tomatoes.

What do you use tomatillos for?

Although tomatillos may look like tomatoes, they are not considered part of this family and are better categorized as a type of nightshade fruit. They’re typically small in size and have a paper-like covering that’s removed before eating. Raw or cooked tomatillos can be used in various dishes, such as blended into salsas and soups or tossed into salads.