Delicious, Tangy, and Spicy Tomatillo Sauce Recipe
Simple Tomatillo Salsa Recipe
Whip up this tantalizing tomatillo sauce that adds a zesty kick to your favorite dishes, such as chilaquiles, enchiladas, grilled fish, or plain ol' broiled chicken breasts.
- Yield: Approx. 2 1/2 cups
- Difficulty: Child's play
- Time: About 45 minutes, including 15 minutes active time
Ingredients (8)
- 1 pound (approximately 10 medium) fresh tomatillos, their husks removed and rinsed
- 2 substantial serrano chilies, stems removed
- 6 cilantro sprigs
- 1 small white onion, cut in half and sliced
- 1 medium garlic clove, coarsely chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, adjustable to taste
Procedure
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Pop in the tomatillos, maintaining a steady simmer as they cook, about 12-15 minutes or until tender. Drain them and transfer to a blender, along with the chilies, cilantro, onion, and garlic. Blend until slightly rough textured.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the blended mix, continually stirring with a wooden spoon as it boils. Cook for 5 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
- Pour in the broth and salt and let the tomatillo puree come to a boil again. Reduce heat to maintain a constant simmer and let cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Taste and add more salt if needed.
This recipe yields a versatile, spicy condiment that enhances a wide array of dishes, taking them from blah to banger in an instant.
Bonus Info:
To level up this recipe, consider the following enrichments:
- Roasted Tomatillos: Prior to blending, roast the tomatillos in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes for a richer flavor.
- Dried Chilies: Incorporate 1-2 dried chipotle chilies for a smoky, mild flavor, or 1-2 dried ancho chilies for a robust, earthy taste. Simply soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before adding to the blender along with the wet onion and garlic.
- Alternative Broth: If you're seeking a vegetarian alternative, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, or use water and a pinch of vegetable bouillon powder.
- Spice it Up: Want extra heat? Add 1-2 finely chopped serranos or jalapenos when sautéing the onion and garlic or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the final sauce.
- Add a hint of sweetness: Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup before serving for a touch of sweetness that complements the tangy tomatillos.
Enjoy this versatile tomatillo sauce not only with popular Mexican dishes like chilaquiles and enchiladas, but also with nutrition-packed recipes such as kosher-style grilled fish or a hearty salad. For an even more refined flavor, try roasting the tomatillos or incorporating dried chilies. If you prefer a vegetarian option, consider using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For an added kick, consider stirring in some honey or maple syrup for a sweet and tangy twist.
