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Helpful Cooking Tips
- Roast the tomatillos until they have a slight char for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Use fresh cilantro and lime juice to enhance the sauce’s brightness.
- Blend the sauce until smooth for a silky texture, or leave it a bit chunky for more bite.
Ingredients 0/7
What Makes This Recipe Special
This sauce is bright and tangy with a fresh, vibrant flavor that comes from the tomatillos. It adds a zesty kick to any dish and is a great way to enjoy authentic Mexican flavors at home. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients you can find easily.
Directions
Put the water, tomatoes, jalapeños, onion, tomatillos, serrano peppers, and garlic into a large pot. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until the veggies are nice and tender—this usually takes about 30 minutes. Once they're soft, use a slotted spoon to scoop the vegetables into a blender, letting any cooking liquid drain back into the pot. Hold the blender lid firmly with a towel (it can get a bit steamy) and pulse a few times to break things up. Then blend everything until the sauce is smooth, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes. Finally, taste your sauce and add salt and pepper as needed.
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What To Serve With This Dish
This sauce works wonderfully on enchiladas, tacos, or drizzled over grilled chicken or fish. It also makes a delicious dip for tortilla chips or a flavorful base for soups and stews.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It also freezes well—just portion it into ice cube trays for easy use later. Thaw in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tomatillos if fresh ones aren’t available?
Fresh tomatillos work best for flavor and texture, but you can use canned ones in a pinch. Just rinse them well to reduce any tinny taste.
How spicy will this sauce be with 12 jalapeños?
It will have a moderate heat level. You can reduce the number of jalapeños if you prefer a milder sauce.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days or freezes for up to 3 months.
What can I use this sauce for besides enchiladas?
It’s great as a salsa, marinade, or topping for tacos, grilled meats, and eggs.
How do I know when the vegetables are tender enough?
They should be soft enough to easily pierce with a fork, usually after about 30 minutes of simmering.
Can I skip blending and use an immersion blender instead?
Yes, an immersion blender works well and can save time and clean-up.
Should I peel the tomatoes before cooking?
No need to peel them; cooking softens the skins and blending will smooth the sauce.
How thick should the sauce be after blending?
It should be smooth but slightly thin, similar to a runny salsa consistency. Adjust by simmering longer if needed.
