Skip to main content

Salsa Verde Cruda

Raw Green Tomatillo Salsa

While salsas made from red tomatoes are often on the table, especially in central Mexico, it is the green salsas made with tomates verdes, the smaller, papery husk–wrapped tomatillos of the same nightshade family, that predominate in most of the country. This simple salsa with its tart chile flavor is a surprising accent for any grilled meat.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients

1/2 pound tomatillos (about 5 or 6), husked, well rinsed, and roughly chopped
2 chiles serranos, stemmed and roughly chopped, including seeds
2 tablespoons roughly chopped white onion
1 teaspoon roughly chopped garlic
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, thick stem ends removed
3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste

Preparation

  1. Starting with the tomatillos, put all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor, then process to a smooth consistency. The salsa should be quite thick, so don't be tempted to add water to thin it. It is best when served right away, but it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

From La Cocina Mexicana: Many Cultures, One Cuisine by Marilyn Tausend with Ricardo Muñoz Zurita, © 2012 University of California Press
Read More
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.
Crunchy and crowd-pleasing, this salad can be prepared in advance and customized to your heart’s content.
Baking meatballs and green beans on two sides of the same sheet pan streamlines the cooking process for this saucy, savory dinner.
Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.
A garlicky pistachio topping takes this sunny summer pasta from good to great.