Salsa Verde was the first salsa I attempted to make at home. Let’s just say my initial batch was a complete disaster.
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It was 2008, I was living with several roommates at the time, and I was using this recipe for reference. My instincts told me that a quantity of 5 serrano chiles would make the finished salsa waaaaay too spicy, but I went ahead and made the recipe as written. Instincts were something I wasn’t listening too that much at the time, so my first batch of Salsa Verdes was fiery to say the least. Instead of throwing the salsa out, I tried to make the best of it, and my roommates and I suffered through several extremely spicy meals together.
Since then, I’ve 100% mastered this vibrant salsa. Made with roasted tomatillos, jalapeños, garlic, scallions, cilantro and lime juice, this salsa verde recipe is bright, balanced and so, so addicting. Continue reading for the recipe.
Roasted Salsa Verde, one of the easiest homemade salsas, starts with tomatillos, jalapeños and whole garlic cloves blistering under an intense broiler. The charred vegetables are then blended up with whole green onions, citrusy cilantro and a healthy squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Tomatillos are a tart, citrusy fruit that look similar to a green tomato, but they’re actually related to the cape gooseberry. Scallions aren’t a traditional ingredient in Salsa Verde, but I just love the flavors they add to the mix. The whites provide a pleasant onion flavor while the greens give a hit off fresh grassiness.
This salsa does require a good bit of salt. I like to season the salsa when it’s warm, but I also check the seasoning once again after it’s had a chance to cool in the fridge. The cold will dampen flavors, so add more salt and lime juice as needed.
Roasted Salsa Verde Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds tomatillos, peeled and sticky residue rinsed off
- 2 fat jalapeños
- 5 whole garlic cloves, skins on
- 6 scallions, roots and any wilted ends trimmed
- 1 small bunch of cilantro, tougher stems trimmed (1 cup lightly packed leaves and tender stems)
- Juice of 1/2 lime, plus more to taste
- Kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat a broiler to high, and place an oven rack on the top most setting.
- Place tomatillos, jalapeños and garlic cloves on a rimmed baking sheet, and broil until tender and lightly golden. Some of the vegetables may finish before others, so take them off the baking sheet as needed. Timing will depend on your broiler, but this process took me about 20 minutes to complete.
- Cut the stems off the jalapenos, and scrape out the seeds. Reserve the seeds. Peel the garlic. Add roasted tomatillos, jalapeños and garlic to the container of a blender. Chop the scallions up into big pieces, and add them to the blender along with the cilantro and lime juice. Puree all ingredients in the blender. Season to taste with kosher salt. If you’d like to increase the spiciness of the salsa, blend in some of the reserved jalapeño seeds.
- Transfer the salsa to the refrigerator, and let chill before serving. Check seasoning once the salsa has chilled, and add more salt and lime juice if needed. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
This Roasted Salsa Verde would be perfect for any Game Day appetizer spread. Here are some other app ideas on Kitchen Konfidence:
Charred Onion and Bacon Dip
Tomato and Horseradish Cocktail Sauce
Roasted Fennel and Apple Guacamole
Bacon Caramel Corn
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders
I’m Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Did you make a recipe? Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can see the how it went!
Millie l Add A Little says
Perfect for superbowl!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Millie!
Sommer @ASpicyPerspective says
I know if ate this amazing salsa right now, I could imagine the flavor explosion in my mouth! Great recipe for the superbowl!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Sommer!!
Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily says
Man, 5 serranos, ouch! Salsa verde is a staple in our home. You certainly have mastered it!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Gwen :)!
Sippitysup says
You can’t live in So Cal without mastering this recipe, and you certainly have. GREG
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Greg!
Brian @ A Thought For Food says
I bet that first batch was fiery in both directions. 🙂 I like a bit of kick in my salsa, but I never like anything I eat to be so spicy that I can’t taste anything else. Love this salsa. I started grilling tomatillos over the summer to make salsa. Such a magical flavor.
Brandon Matzek says
LOL!!! Yes, that realization came later in the day. I definitely need to grill up some tomatillos this summer. Sounds like a tasty way to switch up this salsa.
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says
I could happily sit and eat all of this salsa verde and not even look at a football 🙂
Brandon Matzek says
Haha, I usually don’t watch football, but for some reason, I do enjoy the Super Bowl 😉 This past one was exciting!
Valerie | From Valerie's Kitchen says
I’m in love with salsa verde…strange but true. It takes on so much flavor when you roast all that goodness before you blend it up. I could eat it daily!
Brandon Matzek says
I’m with ya there Valerie!
Martha @ A Family Feast says
Oh yummy – I have to admit, I’ve only cooked with tomatillos once before and didn’t have great success – but I think roasting them like you did in this recipe might tempt me to try again! This look delicious!
Brandon Matzek says
Roasting definitely concentrates flavor. I’ve made a boiled salsa verde as well, and it wasn’t bad, but I like the roasted version better. Give them another shot :)!
Marjory @ Dinner-Mom says
What an explosion of flavor. Love all that cilantro!
Brandon Matzek says
I am definitely a lover of cilantro!
Mischa @ Accidental Farm Wife says
This looks delicious! I love having salsa verde on hand for my morning omelets.
Brandon Matzek says
Such a great idea! We recently made breakfast burritos, and this was a perfect topping.
Yoly | SavvyMujer says
This is perfect for the big game!
cristina says
Beautiful color profile with the greens and where did you find such lovely looking tomatillos (even being in SD?) Mmm…nicely done! 🙂
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Cristina! I got them at Specialty Produce.
Sylvie | Gourmande in the Kitchen says
One of my very favorite salsas!
Brandon Matzek says
Me too :)!