Are you ready to experience a flavor explosion? This Hatch chili salsa verde recipe will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched fields of New Mexico. It's the perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and tangy – a delicious addition to any meal, from tacos and eggs to chips and grilled meats. This homemade salsa verde is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and offers a healthy and flavorful alternative to store-bought options. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields approximately 2 cups of salsa verde.
- 2 pounds Hatch green chiles, roasted (see tips below)
- 1 medium white onion, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 cup packed cilantro leaves
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and roughly chopped (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup lime juice (about 3-4 limes)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Roasting the Hatch Chiles:
Roasting the chiles is key to unlocking their incredible flavor. You can do this in several ways:
- Broiler: Place chiles directly on a baking sheet under a preheated broiler (about 6 inches from heat), turning occasionally until charred on all sides (about 8-10 minutes).
- Grill: Grill chiles directly over medium heat, turning frequently until charred (about 5-7 minutes).
- Oven: Roast chiles on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
Once roasted, place the chiles in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let them steam for 10-15 minutes. This will make peeling much easier. Peel off the charred skin and remove the stems and seeds.
Making the Salsa:
- Once the chiles are peeled, roughly chop them.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the roasted chiles, onion, garlic, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Process until you reach your desired consistency. For a chunky salsa, pulse a few times. For a smoother salsa, process for a longer time.
Serving Suggestions:
This vibrant salsa verde is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it as a dip with tortilla chips, as a topping for tacos, burritos, eggs, grilled fish, chicken, or steak. It also makes a fantastic addition to your favorite quick dinner ideas.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. For a milder salsa, omit the jalapeño entirely.
- Freshness: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Storage: Store leftover salsa verde in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It will deepen in flavor over time.
- Freezing: You can freeze this salsa for longer storage. Allow it to thaw completely before using.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 80-100
- Fat: 7-9g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 5-7g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This healthy and delicious Hatch chili salsa verde recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes. It's a wonderful way to showcase the unique flavors of Hatch chiles and bring a taste of New Mexico to your kitchen. Enjoy!