Smoky Grilled Tomatillo Salsa
Whip up a batch of this Smoky Grilled Tomatillo Salsa for a vibrant and flavorful dip that transports you straight to Mexico. Inspired by my time with the Ceja family, renowned for their delicious food and rich heritage, this salsa captures the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine. The combination of grilled tomatillos and jalapeños creates a smoky depth of flavor, while fresh garlic and cilantro bring brightness to every bite. Perfect with tortilla chips, tacos, or as a zesty topping for grilled meats, this salsa is versatile and packed with flavor, making it a must-have for your next gathering or cozy night in.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh tomatillo
1 lb (husked and rinsed)
fresh jalapeno peppers
8 (grilled)
garlic cloves
2 (peeled)
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped)
salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Start by peeling the husks from the tomatillos and rinsing them under cold water to remove any stickiness.
2
Preheat your grill to high heat. Once ready, place the tomatillos and jalapeño peppers directly on the grill.
3
Grill the tomatillos and peppers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until their skins are charred and blistered. This step is crucial for infusing a rich smoky flavor.
4
Once grilled, remove the veggies from the grill and let them cool slightly. Do not peel the charred skins as they add depth to the salsa.
5
In a blender or food processor, combine the grilled tomatillos, grilled jalapeños, and peeled garlic cloves.
6
Blend until you reach a semi-smooth consistency, adjusting to your desired texture.
7
Add the chopped fresh cilantro and salt to taste, then process again for an additional 8 seconds to combine.
8
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Grilled Tomatillo Salsa?
It is a vibrant and flavorful Mexican dip made from grilled tomatillos, jalapenos, garlic, and cilantro, inspired by the traditions of the Ceja family.
What are the main ingredients in this salsa?
The main ingredients are 1 lb of fresh tomatillos, 8 fresh jalapeno peppers, 2 garlic cloves, 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, and salt to taste.
How do I prepare the tomatillos before grilling?
Peel the husks from the tomatillos and rinse them under cold water to remove any sticky residue.
Should I peel the charred skins off the tomatillos after grilling?
No, do not peel the charred skins as they are essential for adding depth and a rich smoky flavor to the salsa.
How many jalapenos are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 fresh jalapeno peppers.
Is this Smoky Grilled Tomatillo Salsa vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it consists only of vegetables, herbs, and salt.
How long should I grill the vegetables?
Grill the tomatillos and jalapenos for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until charred.
What grill temperature is recommended?
The grill should be preheated to high heat for the best charring results.
What equipment do I need to blend the salsa?
You can use either a blender or a food processor to reach your desired consistency.
How do I achieve the best texture for this salsa?
Blend the grilled ingredients until they reach a semi-smooth consistency, adjusting to your personal preference.
When should I add the cilantro?
Add the chopped fresh cilantro after the initial blending of the grilled vegetables and garlic.
How long should I process the salsa once the cilantro is added?
Process for an additional 8 seconds after adding the cilantro and salt to combine the flavors.
Can I adjust the salt in this recipe?
Yes, salt should be added to taste during the final blending step.
What gives the salsa its smoky flavor?
The smokiness comes from grilling the tomatillos and jalapeno peppers until their skins are charred and blistered.
What can I serve with this salsa?
It is perfect with tortilla chips, tacos, or as a zesty topping for grilled meats.
Is the garlic grilled in this recipe?
No, the garlic cloves are peeled and added fresh to the blender with the grilled vegetables.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe uses 2 peeled garlic cloves.
Who inspired this salsa recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the Ceja family, known for their rich Mexican heritage and delicious food.
Does this recipe contain any fat or cholesterol?
The nutritional data provided indicates the fat and cholesterol content is negligible or zero for these fresh ingredients.
Can I make this salsa spicier or milder?
You can adjust the heat by varying the number of jalapenos used, though the standard recipe calls for 8.
What is the first step in making this recipe?
The first step is peeling and rinsing 1 lb of fresh tomatillos.
Do I need to let the vegetables cool before blending?
Yes, you should let the grilled tomatillos and peppers cool slightly after removing them from the grill.
Is this recipe suitable for appetizers?
Yes, it is tagged as an appetizer and is a great choice for social gatherings.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 5 primary ingredients: tomatillos, jalapenos, garlic, cilantro, and salt.
Is this salsa considered fresh?
Yes, it uses fresh produce and is made from scratch, fitting the 'fresh' tag.
How much cilantro is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro.
What should I look for when grilling the peppers?
Look for the skins to become charred and blistered for maximum flavor.
Can this salsa be used as a topping?
Yes, it is described as a zesty topping that works well for grilled meats.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
Yes, the instructions state you can use either a blender or a food processor.