Green with Envy

After countless disappointing encounters with store-bought salsa, I decided to make my own. I don’t typically like tomatillo salsa because of its too-often bitter flavor. But, inspired by one of Real Simple’s daily recipes that called for tomatillos, I thought perhaps roasting the tomatillos was the trick. So I conducted some research online to learn how to properly roast tomatillos and, to my surprise, it is easy and fast. And once you roast the tomatillos the only thing left to do is add the remaining ingredients to a food processor and enjoy. Salsas are an easy and fun way to experiment in the kitchen; find your preferred base and then toss in your favorite flavors.

1 lb tomatillos
½ small red onion, cut in wedges
½ lime, juiced
1 large handful cilantro, stems and leaves
2 large cloves garlic, cut in half
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and roughly chopped
1 tsp salt

Preheat broiler on high. Remove husks from tomatillos and cut in half. Place cut side down on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil for 7 minutes, or until tomatillos are lightly charred; remove from oven and let cool.

Transfer the tomatillos and all their juices to a food processor. Add onion, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, jalapeno pepper and salt. Pulse until well blended; serve with chips.