Salsa verde casera
Salsa verde is a classic condiment in Spanish cuisine that adds a burst of freshness and flavor to any dish. Made with fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar, the bright green sauce can be used as a dip, marinade, or topping for grilled meats, vegetables, and seafood.
While store-bought salsa verde is readily available, making it from scratch at home is easy, affordable, and allows you to customize the ingredients to your taste. In this recipe, we will show you how to make a traditional salsa verde casera using simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
To begin, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 bunches of fresh parsley
- 1 bunch of fresh cilantro
- 6-8 cloves of garlic
- 1 jalapeño pepper
- 1/2 cup of good quality extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
The key to a flavorful salsa verde is using high-quality ingredients, so it’s essential to choose fresh herbs and a good quality olive oil. While traditional salsa verde calls for parsley and cilantro, you can also substitute with other herbs such as mint, basil, or oregano depending on your preference.
To prepare the ingredients, wash and dry the herbs and chop off the stalks. Peel the garlic cloves and remove the seeds and stem from the jalapeño pepper if you want a milder heat. Then, add all the ingredients except the olive oil and vinegar to a food processor or blender and pulse until you reach your desired consistency.
Slowly pour in the olive oil and apple cider vinegar while blending until the mixture is well combined and smooth. The vinegar adds a tangy flavor that balances out the herbs, while the olive oil helps to emulsify the salsa and gives it a creamy texture.
Taste the salsa and season with salt and pepper as needed. You may also add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for extra acidity if you prefer.
Once the salsa is ready, transfer it to a jar or container with a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop. The salsa can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, so feel free to double the recipe if you want to have some on hand for future meals.
Salsa verde casera is a versatile condiment that can be used in many ways. It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, tacos, quesadillas, and even seafood dishes such as ceviche or grilled shrimp. You can also use it as a marinade for chicken, steak or tofu, or mix a spoonful of salsa with some sour cream or Greek yogurt to make a tasty dip.
In conclusion, making salsa verde at home is a simple and rewarding task that adds a touch of freshness and flavor to any meal. With this easy recipe, you can enjoy the delicious taste of this classic Spanish condiment whenever you like.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch fresh parsley
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 jalapeño pepper
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
- Rinse the parsley and cilantro and chop off any tough stems. Peel and chop the garlic.
- Add the herbs and garlic to a food processor or blender and pulse until coarsely chopped.
- Add the olive oil, vinegar, salt, cumin, jalapeño pepper, and water to the food processor or blender, and pulse until the mixture comes together.
- Taste the salsa and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Serve the salsa verde casera with tortilla chips or use it as a topping for grilled meats, fish, or vegetables. Enjoy!