Taqueria Salsa Verde Recipe

"This fresh salsa goes good on just about everything Mexican, but we love it best with tortilla chips and quesadillas! Remove the seeds from the jalapeno for a milder salsa (or use less jalapeno). This makes about 2 cups of salsa verde. If vegan, substitute the honey with an alternative sweetener."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Lightly char the tomatillos, garlic, jalapenos and onion over an open flame, on a grill or in a heavy skillet on high heat until they are starting to brown and caramelize.

Step 2

Add all of the ingredients except the honey, salt and pepper into a food processor or blender and blend until a thick salsa is created; if you like it chunky, process it less than if you like it smooth. Add water, as needed, to help it blend.

Step 3

Add honey, salt and black pepper to taste.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.

Tips for selecting ingredients

When selecting tomatillos, look for ones that are firm and bright green. Avoid tomatillos that are overly soft or have brown spots.
For a spicier salsa, leave the seeds in the jalapeno peppers or add additional peppers.

Ingredient substitutions

Substitute the tomatillos with green bell peppers for a milder flavor. This substitution will reduce the heat of the salsa and make it more accessible for those who don't like spicy food.
Substitute the jalapenos with Anaheim peppers for a sweeter flavor. This substitution will reduce the heat of the salsa and add a sweet flavor that will balance out the other ingredients.

Variations

Chipotle Salsa Verde Replace the jalapenos with 2 canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and add 1 teaspoon of adobo sauce from the can. Increase the honey to 1 tablespoon.

Serve with

Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas: These cheesy chicken quesadillas are the perfect accompaniment to this Taqueria Salsa Verde. The creamy melted cheese pairs perfectly with the zesty salsa, and the chicken adds a delicious protein boost. Plus, they're easy to make and sure to please the whole family!

Mexican Street Corn: Mexican street corn is a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with this Taqueria Salsa Verde. It's creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor from the mayo, cotija cheese, and chili powder. The sweetness of the corn combined with the zesty salsa creates a perfect balance of flavor that will delight your taste buds. Plus, it's easy to make and sure to be a hit with the whole family!

FAQ

Q: How can I make this salsa vegan?

A: To make this salsa vegan, substitute the honey with an alternative sweetener such as agave syrup or maple syrup.

Q: Is this salsa spicy?

A: The spiciness of this salsa varies depending on the ingredients used. Generally, it is mild to medium in heat but can be adjusted to suit individual preferences.

Fun facts:

The tomatillo, a key ingredient in this salsa verde, is a relative of the tomato and native to Mexico. It was a staple food for the Aztecs and other Mesoamerican cultures.

Celebrity chef Bobby Flay is known to make a similar salsa verde recipe, and it's a favorite of his. He recommends using fresh tomatillos, jalapenos and garlic to get the best flavor.