Eat Well. Salsa verde

There are few things better then a fresh salsa.  Salsas pack intense flavor, lots of nutrients, and can take just about any dish to the next level.  Not to mention they fall right into a key element of The Primal Bohemian lifestyle-simplicity.    

I came across some fresh tomatillos at the farmers market and couldn't pass up grabbing them.  If you have never had a tomatillo it is NOT a green tomato.  Although they both are from the nightshade family, the tomatillo is more of a giant gooseberry then a tomato (if you are unfamiliar with a gooseberry, that is for another post).   Slightly sweet, slightly bitter, and even slightly slimy, tomatillos are a staple in cuisines of Mexico and South America.   And if you like fresh green salsas, I suggest grabbing some and trying this great salsa verde out! 

You can make this salsa verde either in an oven or on a grill.  The grill will add some nice smokey notes, but the oven will give a deeper, more compound flavor.  

For 1 large jar of salsa you will need 3 tomatillos (they come wrapped in a light skin, peel this off before using), 2 jalapenos, 1 bunch of green onions, a tablespoon of cumin, some coconut oil, and a pinch of salt.  

In a mixing bowl, coat all of the vegetables lightly in coconut oil.  Sprinkle with salt and cumin.  If you are going to grill the vegetables, do it over medium heat until everything is lightly charred.  If you choose to use the oven, preheat an oven to 350 degrees and let everything roast for 10 minutes.  

Once cooked, take all your vegetables and put them in a food processor or blender. Blend until a desired consistency is reached.  If you like chunky salsa, keep it chunky! If you like smooth salsa, keep it smooth! If you do not have a food processor or blender, you can use a mortar and pestle (or you can make one yourself with a heavy wooden spoon and a bowl).  Let everything cool down and enjoy.  

Salsa verde is great on pretty much all meats and vegetables.  You can use it to top already cooked items or cook items right in it.  It can also be a great addition to marinades.  Have questions? Let me know in the comment section.  

Until next time.  Eat well.  Play hard.  Give back.  -JPS