Tomatillo Salsa Recipe

Tomatillo Salsa fresh and natural adds flavor and zest to every barbecue.....

This standard Mexican Tomatillo salsa recipe can be found everywhere in Mexico. Tomatillos have a natural acidic and fresh note that gives them a little sparkle. Tomatillo salsa is a natural with the flavors of grilled meat, but it is a great do-ahead, have-on-hand salsa to freshen up anything off the grill or out of a skillet.

• 1 pound fresh tomatillos
• 1 large Spanish onion (about 12 ounces), cut into large chunks (about 3 cups)
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 packed cup coarsely chopped cilantro leaves
• 1/2 jalapeno (seeds and all if you like heat)
• 1/2 lime, juiced
• Kosher or fine sea salt

Pull the husks from the tomatillos and wash them under cool water until they no longer feel sticky. Cut them into quarters and put them into the work bowl of a food processor. Add the onion and garlic and process until smooth. Add the cilantro, jalapeno and lime juice and process until the jalapeno is finely chopped.

Scrape the mixture into a small saucepan. Season lightly with salt and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is boiled off and the salsa looks relish-y, about 15 minutes. Cool before using. The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 1 week. If refrigerated, you may want to add a little salt and/or lime juice to help preserve the flavor of the salsa before serving.

Why Make Tomatillo Salsa?

We used to make salsa at least once a week and we'd even travel to friends homes gathering to regale the activities of the week and what our friends did and didn't do.  We'd make a barbecue or have some potluck item and of course there was always some unsaid contest going on between the friends over who could make the best whatever.  One of the things that would always be made is tacos and salsa.  The tacos would be made with  flour or corn tortillas and the stuffing mix could be steak or chicken meats along with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and sometimes beans.  Along with the tacos was this always made fresh tomato salsa. To me this was your standard fare for tacos that I and my friends loved.

It wasn't until one of my closest friends came forward and told us that they had an allergy to tomatoes that things changed.  First we stood their with our mouths open and gasping for some semblance of sense.  How it is possible that anyone could be allergic to tomatoes the life fruit we thought.  Tomatoes were on everything and tomato ketchup was practically on every hamburger or meatloaf we've ever had.  And yet they told me to think back about all the times they've had hamburgers with us and the fact that they've never put tomatoes on their hamburger and when it came to condiments they always added mustard and mayo.  Sometimes they would have store bought tacos sauce to the point they would actually bring their own sauce.  I said what does it do to you if you have tomatoes?  They told me their skin itches from head to toe, their eyes water and they begin sneezing uncontrollably.  It took some time but we finally understood and realized that although we'd always enjoyed tomatoes we'd never considered the fact the someone could have them.

It was at that time that I set out to find a recipe for an alternate salsa.  One that not only could be used on tacos but could be spread on burgers and steaks and more.  I believe my recipe about fits the bill for this alternate salsa.  We surprised our friend at our next barbecue by unveiling the sauce.  Teary eyed and happy our friend hugged us and thank us for the salsa.  From then on we continued on as normal and no one ever said another word about tomatoes and tomatillo salsa.  And yes, a good time was had by all.