Recipe for Canning Salsa Verde: A Spicy, Tangy, and Delicious Treat
Salsa verde, with its vibrant green color and complex flavor profile, is a beloved condiment that adds a burst of freshness and heat to any meal. But did you know you can preserve the taste of summer by canning your own salsa verde? This guide will take you through the steps to create a delicious and long-lasting batch of homemade salsa verde.
Ingredients you'll need:
- Tomatillos: The star of the show! Choose tomatillos that are firm and vibrant green, avoiding any with blemishes or wrinkles.
- Serrano peppers: For a medium heat, use 2-3 serrano peppers. For milder salsa, try using jalapeños instead. Adjust to your spice preference.
- Garlic: A few cloves of garlic will add a pungent and earthy aroma to your salsa.
- White onion: The onion adds a bit of sweetness and crunch to the salsa.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is a must-have for that signature salsa verde flavor.
- Lime juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the flavor and adds a touch of acidity.
- Salt: Sea salt or kosher salt will enhance the flavor of the salsa.
Equipment you'll need:
- Large pot: For boiling the jars and lids.
- Jar lifter: To safely remove the hot jars from the boiling water.
- Canning funnel: To easily fill the jars without making a mess.
- Wide-mouth canning jars: Use pint-sized jars for this recipe.
- Lid lifter: For safely placing the lids on the jars.
- Jar wrench: To tighten the lids securely.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Instructions:
Preparing the salsa:
- Roast the tomatillos: Remove the husks and wash the tomatillos. Place them on a baking sheet and roast under the broiler until the skins are charred and slightly blistered. This brings out the tomatillo's sweetness.
- Roast the peppers and onion: While the tomatillos roast, roast the peppers and onion on the same baking sheet, turning them occasionally. Roast until softened and slightly charred.
- Prepare the garlic: While the other ingredients roast, finely chop the garlic.
- Blend it all together: Once the roasted ingredients have cooled slightly, transfer them to a blender along with the garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Blend until smooth, adding a bit of water if needed to help with the blending process.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning, adding more lime juice, salt, or cilantro as needed.
Canning the salsa:
- Sterilize the jars: Wash the canning jars and lids thoroughly in hot soapy water. Place the jars in a large pot filled with boiling water for 10 minutes to sterilize.
- Fill the jars: Using a canning funnel, carefully fill the sterilized jars with the salsa verde, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top.
- Wipe the rims: Clean the rims of the jars with a clean damp cloth to remove any spills.
- Place the lids: Center a lid on each jar and screw on the ring finger-tight.
- Process the jars: Place the filled jars in a large pot filled with boiling water, making sure the water covers the jars by at least an inch. Bring the water back to a boil and process the jars for 20 minutes.
- Remove and cool: After processing, carefully lift the jars out of the boiling water using a jar lifter and place them on a clean towel to cool completely.
- Check the seals: Once the jars have cooled completely, gently press the center of each lid to check for a satisfying "pop." If the lid doesn't budge, the jar is properly sealed.
Enjoy your homemade salsa verde! Store your canned salsa verde in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Enjoy it on tacos, burritos, chips, or as a flavorful topping for your favorite dishes.
Tips:
- Vary the heat: Adjust the amount of peppers used for your desired level of heat.
- Add different flavors: Experiment with adding other ingredients like cumin, oregano, or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Use fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright flavor that canned cilantro can't replicate.
- Label and date your jars: Label the jars with the date so you know when you canned them.
- Store properly: Store the jars in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness.
Canning salsa verde is a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy the flavors of summer all year long. So, gather your ingredients, grab your canning equipment, and get ready to create a batch of delicious homemade salsa verde!
