Easy Mexican Salsa Verde

Salsa verde is an incredibly adaptable and versatile sauce! It can be used to add a burst of flavour to everything from tacos to eggs! This vibrant salsa is just begging to be used! No cooking is required for this recipe!

Mexican cuisine is known for its vibrant flavours and rich history. One of the most popular condiments used in Mexican cuisine is salsa verde. 

In this blog post, we'll dive into the history and ingredients of salsa verde, as well as some delicious ways to use it in your cooking.

What You Need to Know about Salsa Verde

Salsa verde, which translates to "green sauce," has been a staple of Mexican cuisine for centuries. The sauce is made from a combination of tomatillos, chilies, garlic, cilantro, and vinegar, giving it a tangy, slightly spicy flavor.

When dining in Mexico, you will find that all restaurants offer both red and green salsa. However, each establishment prepares their own version of these salsas, resulting in a unique flavor profile for each one. Some may be rawer, thicker, spicier, or even tangier than others.

Although there are numerous versions of salsa verde, with each person believing their recipe is the best, the real standout ingredient is the tomatillo. Tomatillos are small, green fruits that originate from Mexico, and they are responsible for giving the sauce its distinctive vibrant green hue.

How It Is Made

Making salsa verde is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. Some people like to roast or boil the tomatillos, but I love it raw! I will be sharing the easy raw salsa verde version.

Start by removing the husks from the tomatillos and rinsing them under cold water. Next, add the tomatillos, garlic, cilantro, and chili peppers in a blender. Blend on high for 30 seconds until smooth, and ta-da, you're done!  Salt the salsa and vinegar to your liking.

The blender I use is the Vitamix VM0197. I use this to make everything from sauces to soup!

What You Can Use Salsa Verde For

One of the great things about salsa verde is its versatility. It can be used as a dip for chips, a topping for tacos, or a marinade for meat. Here are a few of our favourite ways to use salsa verde in the kitchen:

1. Tacos: Salsa verde is a perfect topping for tacos, adding a tangy, slightly spicy flavour to your favourite protein. Try it on steak, chicken, or even fish tacos for a burst of flavour.
2. Enchiladas: Instead of using traditional red enchilada sauce, try using salsa verde. It pairs perfectly with shredded chicken and cheese and gives the dish a bright flavour.
3. Grilled meats: Use salsa verde as a marinade for grilled meats like chicken or pork. The acid in the tomatillos will help tenderize the meat while adding a delicious flavour.
4. Eggs: Salsa verde is a great addition to breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs or omelets. It pairs well with cheese and adds a bit of zing to your morning meal.

Health Benefits of Salsa Verde

In addition to its delicious flavour, salsa verde is also a healthy condiment choice. Tomatillos are high in fibre, vitamin C, and potassium, and the chilies used in the sauce contain capsaicin, a compound that's been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. 

So the next time you're looking to add a bit of flavour to your meal, consider reaching for a jar of salsa verde.

Why You Should Make Salsa Verde

In conclusion, salsa verde is a staple condiment in Mexican cuisine that's easy to make and adds a burst of flavour to any dish. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a batch of salsa verde to keep on hand for all your cooking needs. 

Whether you're using it as a dip for chips, a topping for tacos, or a marinade for meat, salsa verde is sure to add a delicious zing to your meal. Give it a try and taste the flavour of Mexico in your own kitchen.