Avocado salsa verde is a vibrant and creamy variation of traditional salsa verde. It combines the rich, buttery flavor of avocados with the tangy, fresh taste of tomatillos, resulting in a delightful dip, sauce, or topping. Here’s how you can make it at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 1-2 ripe avocados
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, stemmed (and seeded for less heat)
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tomatillos and Jalapeños:
- Preheat your broiler.
- Place tomatillos and jalapeños on a baking sheet. Broil them, turning occasionally, until they’re blackened and blistered, about 5-7 minutes.
- Blend the Base:
- Transfer the broiled tomatillos and jalapeños to a blender or food processor. Add the garlic and blend until the mixture is mostly smooth (a little texture is fine).
- Transfer the broiled tomatillos and jalapeños to a blender or food processor. Add the garlic and blend until the mixture is mostly smooth (a little texture is fine).
- Add Fresh Ingredients:
- Add the chopped onion, cilantro, and lime juice to the blender. Pulse a few times until these ingredients are just incorporated but not completely pureed. This keeps the salsa somewhat chunky and fresh.
- Incorporate the Avocado:
- Pit and peel the avocados. Add them to the blender. Pulse again until the avocado is well mixed into the salsa, making it creamy but still with some texture.
- Season:
- Taste your salsa and add salt as needed. Adjust lime juice if more tanginess is desired.
- Chill and Serve:
- Transfer the salsa to a bowl and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
What is avocado salsa verde?
- Avocado salsa verde is a creamy, tangy dip or sauce made from avocados, tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro, garlic, onion, and lime juice. It’s a variation of traditional salsa verde with the addition of avocado for a richer texture.
2. How do I store avocado salsa verde?
- Store the salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. The avocado may cause the salsa to darken slightly, but the flavor will remain delicious.
3. Can I freeze avocado salsa verde?
- Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the avocado can become watery and grainy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
4. What can I use instead of tomatillos?
- If you can’t find tomatillos, you can substitute green tomatoes. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be tasty.
5. Is there a way to make the salsa less spicy?
- Yes, to reduce the heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before blending. You can also use fewer jalapeños or substitute with milder peppers like poblanos.
6. Can I use lemon juice instead of lime juice?
- Lime juice is traditional and provides the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use lemon juice. The taste will be slightly different but still good.
7. How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
- The lime juice in the recipe helps prevent browning. Additionally, storing the salsa with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface can help minimize exposure to air.
8. Can I add other ingredients to my salsa?
- Absolutely! Some people like to add ingredients like diced tomatoes, roasted corn, or black beans for extra flavor and texture.
9. How can I make my salsa smoother or chunkier?
- For a smoother salsa, blend the ingredients longer. For a chunkier texture, pulse the blender just a few times until you reach the desired consistency.
10. What are some serving suggestions for avocado salsa verde?
- This salsa is versatile and can be used as a dip for tortilla chips, a topping for tacos, burritos, and nachos, or a sauce for grilled meats, fish, or vegetables.
11. Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the salsa a few hours ahead or the day before serving. This can actually help the flavors meld together. Just be sure to store it properly to maintain freshness.
12. What type of blender should I use?
- Any standard blender or food processor will work. For a chunkier salsa, a food processor is preferable as it allows for better control over the texture.
13. Are there any dietary considerations for avocado salsa verde?
- This salsa is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. It’s a healthy addition to many diets, rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
14. Can I make the salsa without cilantro?
- If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can omit it or replace it with fresh parsley or a small amount of fresh mint for a different flavor profile.
15. What is the best way to roast tomatillos and jalapeños?
- For a smoky flavor, broil them in the oven until they’re blistered and blackened. Alternatively, you can roast them on a grill or directly on a stovetop flame.
By including these FAQs, you can help ensure that anyone making avocado salsa verde has the information they need to create a delicious and successful dish.
Tips:
- Roasting Alternative: If you prefer, you can roast the tomatillos and jalapeños in a 425°F (220°C) oven instead of broiling them. It takes a bit longer but gives a deeper flavor.
- Adjust the Heat: You can adjust the heat level by changing the amount of jalapeños, removing their seeds, or adding a serrano pepper for more kick.
- Storage: This salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Avocado salsa verde is perfect as a dip for tortilla chips, as a topping for tacos, or even spooned over grilled meats and fish for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy your homemade salsa!