Homemade Roasted Tomatillo Salsa 2 Recipe

There’s something magical about the aroma of roasted veggies wafting through the kitchen, and this time, I’m bringing you a zesty tomatillo salsa that’s about to become your go-to for every taco night and tortilla chip craving!

When I prepare my Roasted Tomatillo Salsa, the flavors that come to life and the depth that it brings to any dish astound me. It is, at its core, a simple salsa, but it is anything but basic.

The tangy explosion from the tomatillos is bright, and when combined with the heat from the jalapeños, well, you have a party on your palate. I can’t sing the praises of this salsa enough.

Ingredients

• Tomatillos: Tangy and bright, they give a sour punch to the salsa.
• White Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; a source of vitamin C.
• Garlic: Aromatic with health-boosting antioxidants.
• Jalapeño Peppers: Bring heat and vitamin C, enhancing the salsa’s spice.
• Cilantro: Fresh and citrusy, it provides antioxidants and flavor.
• Lime Juice: Offers zesty acidity, rich in vitamin C for freshness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 1 medium white onion, quartered
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 jalapeño peppers
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• Salt to taste

How to Make this

1. Set your oven broiler to high and place an oven rack approximately 4 inches beneath the heat source.

2. Arrange the tomatillos, onion (cut into quarters), garlic, and jalapeños on a baking sheet.

3. Char the vegetables for about 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are blistered and blackened.

4. Take the vegetables out of the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes.

5. When they have cooled enough to handle, take the stems off the jalapeños. If you want a mild salsa, you can also remove the seeds.

6. Place in a blender or food processor the roasted vegetables and any juices they may have accumulated.

7. Combine the cilantro leaves and lime juice with the other ingredients in the blender.

8. Blend until the mixture is at your desired consistency, whether that is chunky or smooth.

9. Taste the salsa and add salt to bring it up to your ideal seasoning level.

10. Move the salsa to a serving bowl or glass, and then put on the lid and store it in the ‘fridge for half an hour. That’s minimum. You can leave it there for as long as you want. An hour is better because it gives the flavors time to meld. Note that you can also serve this salsa at room temperature, which is an ideal temperature for a dish like this.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven with a broiler setting
2. Oven rack
3. Baking sheet
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Blender or food processor
7. Serving bowl or container with lid

FAQ

• What can I use instead of tomatillos?Green tomatoes can easily stand in for tomatillos in this recipe. The only difference will be in flavor, since tomatillos have a particular tanginess that’s hard to duplicate.
• How can I make this salsa less spicy?Heat can be lessened by taking out the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño peppers or by using one jalapeño instead of two.
• Can I prepare this salsa in advance?It is permissible to prepare the salsa a day in advance. Place it in an airtight container in the fridge so that the flavors can meld together with even greater intensity.
• What equipment do I need?This salsa requires three main tools to prepare: a roasting pan, a blender or food processor, and a knife.
• Is there a substitute for cilantro?If you dislike cilantro, try using parsley instead for a different but still fresh and delicious flavor.
• Can I roast the ingredients on the stovetop instead of the oven?Indeed, you are able to place the tomatillos, onion, garlic, and jalapeños in a skillet, over medium-high heat, and roast them until they are charred and softened.

Homemade Roasted Tomatillo Salsa 2 Recipe Substitutions and Variations

To substitute for tomatillos: use green tomatoes, or a combination of green tomatoes and a splash of lime juice for the acidity that tomatillos provide.
For white onion: Use yellow onion or red onion for a flavor that is sweeter or more robust.
To prepare with jalapeño peppers: Substitute serrano peppers for more heat, or use bell peppers for a version that is milder.
If using fresh cilantro leaves:
Substitute with fresh parsley or fresh basil for a different herbaceous flavor.
For fresh lime juice: Use lemon juice as an alternative, though it will slightly change the flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Roasting Tip To enhance the smoky flavor of your salsa, consider leaving the ingredients under the broiler a bit longer until they are deeply charred. This caramelization adds a rich depth to the salsa.

2. Blending Consistency For better control over the texture, pulse the blender or food processor in short bursts instead of letting it run continuously. This technique helps achieve a precise consistency, whether you prefer your salsa chunky or smooth.

3. Adjusting Heat If you want to adjust the heat level of the salsa, experiment by adding only one jalapeño at first. You can always add more to increase the spice level or include some of the seeds for extra heat, as they contain the majority of the capsaicin.

4. Flavor Enhancement Before serving, consider stirring in a teaspoon of sugar or honey if the salsa tastes too acidic. This can balance out the flavors and reduce sharpness.

5. Cooling for Flavor Development Although it’s tempting to enjoy your salsa immediately, letting it chill in the fridge for a few hours or overnight can significantly enhance the flavors, allowing them to meld together for a more cohesive taste.