If you're craving a burst of vibrant flavor that will elevate your dishes to new heights, look no further than this Chile Verde Basic Green Chili Sauce! This zesty and tangy sauce, rooted in Mexican cuisine, is not only incredibly easy to make but also versatile enough to complement everything from tacos to grilled meats. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can whip up this delicious sauce in under an hour. Trust us, once you taste this homemade Chile Verde, you'll never want to go back to store-bought again!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 6 tomatillos
- 2 green chilies
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by removing the papery husk from the tomatillos and rinsing them thoroughly under cool water. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Roughly chop the tomatillos, green chilies, onion, and garlic cloves. Keep the seeds in the chilies for extra heat, or remove them for a milder sauce.
- Heat a large skillet or comal over medium-high heat. No oil is necessary for this roasting technique.
- Place the chopped tomatillos, green chilies, onion, and garlic directly on the hot skillet. Roast for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even charring and softening of the vegetables.
- Remove the roasted vegetables from the heat and let them cool for 2-3 minutes to prevent burning when blending.
- Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender or food processor. Add cumin, salt, and lime juice.
- Blend the mixture until smooth, about 30-45 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, cumin, or lime juice to balance the flavors.
- If a thinner consistency is desired, add a small amount of water and blend again until reaching the preferred texture.
- Transfer the Chile Verde sauce to a clean jar or container. It can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Selecting Tomatillos: Choose tomatillos that are firm and bright green, avoiding any that are overly soft or brown. A fresh tomatillo will give your sauce a vibrant flavor.
- Adjusting Heat Levels: If you prefer a milder sauce, remove the seeds from the green chilies before roasting. For those who love a kick, keep the seeds in for an extra punch!
- Roasting Technique: Don’t rush the roasting process! Allow the vegetables to develop a nice char, as this will enhance the depth of flavor in your sauce.
- Blending Tips: When blending, start with a few pulses to break up the ingredients before blending continuously. This helps achieve a smoother consistency without over-blending.
- Storing Your Sauce: If you have leftovers, store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
- Versatile Uses: Use this sauce as a topping for enchiladas, a dip for tortilla chips, or even as a marinade for meats. The possibilities are endless!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 25kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
