Jul 11, 2011

Salsa de Tomatillo en Molcajete (Roasted Tomatillo and Serrano Salsa)

This earthy roasted salsa is traditionally pounded to a smooth paste in a molcajete, but a food processor works just as well. This recipe first appeared in SAVEUR Issue #140, along with Roberto Santibañez's story Burning Bright.

Credit: Todd Coleman

MAKES ABOUT 1 CUP

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. tomatillos, husked and rinsed

4 serrano chiles, stemmed

3 cloves garlic, peeled

1 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro

2 tbsp. minced white onion

2 1/2 tsp. fresh lime juice

1 tbsp. olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Position an oven rack 4" from broiler; heat to high. Place tomatillos, chiles, and garlic on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil, turning often, until blackened in spots and cooked through, about 10 minutes for the garlic and chiles, and 15 minutes for the tomatillos; remove each ingredient as it finishes cooking.

2. Place roasted chiles, garlic, and salt in a food processor and puree until smooth; add tomatillos, cilantro, onion, and lime juice. Pulse until roughly chopped. Transfer to a bowl and stir in oil.