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    Salsa Verde

    This fresh, bright homemade salsa verde—made with onions, jalapeños, garlic, cilantro, and tomatillos—is the perfect addition to any meal.

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    tomatillo salsa verde in a bowl

    Salsa Verde: To DIY or to Buy?

    We are big fans of cutting corners in the kitchen, however when it comes to verde sauce, we have pretty strong opinions. It’s always going to be easier to buy salsa verde—which, BTW, just means “green sauce” in Spanish—in a jar or tub than to make it from scratch at home, but this is one of those times when homemade is just so much better that’s it’s worth a little extra effort. Loaded with fresh ingredients like onions, jalapeños, garlic, cilantro, and tomatillos, this green salsa recipe turns a bowl of chips, or platter of nachos into a meal to remember.

    What Is Salsa Verde?

    In terms of preparation, red salsa (salsa rojo) and green salsa (salsa verde) aren’t all that different. The major distinction between the two classic Mexican sauces is that red tomatoes are the base for salsa rojo, while tangy green tomatillos form the base for our salsa verde recipe. Are you familiar with tomatillos? Tomatillos—sometimes called husk tomatoes—are a small fruit hidden inside (you guessed it) a papery green husk. When ripe, they turn a greenish-yellowish color and make the perfect base for this tangy, versatile Mexican green sauce!

    Tomatillos in a bowl for salsa verde
    roasted tomatillos and onions and jalapeno in a pot

    How To Make Salsa Verde.

    The ingredient list for this homemade tomatillo salsa is short and sweet! All you’ll need is onions, jalapeños, garlic, cilantro and tomatillos. Charring the ingredients in a big pot before blending them creates a gorgeous smoky flavor that gives the salsa it’s depth. Here’s how to make salsa verde from scratch:

    1. Crowd the tomatillos, jalapeños, half of the white onion and garlic in a big pot with oil set over super heat.
    2. Cook until everything is nicely charred.
    3. Simmer for 15 minutes.
    4. Put the charred vegetables, a jalapeño, cilantro, salt and other half of the white onion to a food processor and blend!
    the best Salsa Verde Recipe on a spoon

    You Made Homemade Green Salsa! Here’s How To Use It.

    Green salsa in a jar with jalapeños
    homemade tomatillo sauce on a spoon over a jar

    Tools You Will Need:

    Green Salsa For Daaaayyyysss.

    homemade Tomatillo salsa recipe in a bowl with chips

    The New You!

    So now you are that person! The person who makes fresh tomatillo salsa and shares it with all your friends. We want to see it too! Be sure to snap a photo of your smokey green salsa and tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper or #themodernproper so we can drool along with you!

    Related Recipes

    Salsa Verde

    Originally published: August 7, 2018

    • Serves: 8
    • Prep Time:  15 min
    • Cook Time:  25 min
    • Calories: 57
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    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons vegetable, canola oil or olive oil
    • 10-12 medium sized tomatillos, husks removed
    • 1-3 jalapeños, depending on how spicy you like it, stems removed
    • 1 large white onion, quartered
    • 4 large garlic cloves
    • 1 bunch cilantro, stems removed
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt

    Method

    1. In a large pot, heat the oil over high. Crowd the tomatillos, jalapeños, half of the white onion and garlic in a single layer in pan. Cook on high without turning until vegetables are charred, about 4 minutes. Turn everything in the pan over and repeat until charred on other side, about 4 minutes longer.
    2. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow to cool completely.
    3. In a food processor add the charred vegetables starting with only 1 jalapeño. Add in cilantro, salt and remaining white onion. Blend on low until desired texture is achieved. If not spicy enough, add more jalapeño one at a time.
    4. Store for up to 1 week refrigerated in an airtight container.

    Nutrition Info

    • Per Serving
    • Amount
    • Calories57
    • Protein1 g
    • Carbohydrates5 g
    • Total Fat4 g
    • Dietary Fiber1 g
    • Cholesterol0 mg
    • sodium293 mg
    • Total Sugars3 g

    Salsa Verde

    Questions & Reviews

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    • Sue

      Your recipes look Wonderful. I’m anxious to try them. In the Salsa Verde you say put the veggies in a pot and cook on high till charred
      How do you charbin a pot with oil? Just mildly burn them? Could I put them in a pan in a very hot oven and char them that way?

      Hi Sue, sure that would work as well!

    • Lesley

      I’ve wanted to make salsa verde at home for so long. I’m totoally going to do this!

      Hope you love it!

    • joyce

      This is so easy to make at home. It makes a great chili verde with chicken or pork. I like this version, but may add a poblano to the mix.

      Sounds great!