Tomatillo Sauce--go green!

To contact us Click HERE
I love Chicken Tomatillo Tamales more than anything.  There are many "keys" to making the best ever Chicken Tomatillo Tamales, one of which is having the freshest and purest tomatillo sauce possible.  I just whipped up a batch--not for tamale making, but "just because."  The tomatillo is a beautiful member of the tomato family.  Ubiquitous in Latin American green sauces, it has a bright and fruity flavor that is deliciously complemented with chiles and cilantro.  I am obsessed with tomatillos and I am also obsessed with cilantro (I know there are a lot of haters out there, but cilantro is truly amazing!).  This sauce contains those elements in abundance, plus plenty of spicy serrano chiles.  The combination produces a distinctive aroma and exquisitely green color.  Cream is optional--it adds an extra depth but also tones down the spiciness if you can't handle the heat!  This fresh tomatillo sauce--so easy to make and so much more delicious than anything you can buy at the store.

RECIPE:

1 1/2 pounds tomatillos, husks removed
4 serrano chiles, chopped coarsely
1 jalapeño chile, chopped coarsely
6 garlic cloves
3/4 cup whipping cream
1/2 onion, coarsely chopped (optional)
1 cup water or broth
juice of 1 lime
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt, to taste

Cut the tomatillos into quarters and place in a saucepan with water or broth. Cook over medium-high for 8-10 minutes, until the flesh is soft and transparent. Place the tomatillos in a food processor with 1 cup of their cooking liquid, the chiles, garlic, and a handful of cilantro. Process until the mixture is almost smooth. Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan. Cook the tomatillo mixture with the lime juice and salt over medium-high heat until it begins to thicken, about 10 minutes. If desired, add the cream and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and begins to boil. Remove from heat and stir in the additional handful of coarsely chopped cilantro. Set aside.

Without cream:


With cream: