In this article, we'll answer your burning questions about salsa verde. You'll find out what it tastes like, how it's different from red salsa and how to make it in your very own kitchen.
Let's check it out...
What Does Salsa Verde Taste Like?
There are big differences between all the different kinds of salsas. Fruit salsa is sweet, red tomato salsa is slightly sweet, savory and zesty, and salsa verde (also called green salsa) is usually tart.
The reason for this is that salsa verde is frequently made with green tomatoes or tomatillos, which are super sour Mexican tomatoes in papery husks.
Other ingredients salsa verde is prepared with include cilantro, garlic, lime, chili pepper and onion. Sometimes a bit of sugar is thrown in to soften the sour taste. The result is a pungent condiment that pops in color and flavor.
Salsa Verde Texture
The texture of salsa verde will depend on what it's made with as well as whether it's pureed or not. Pureed salsas are thinner but smoother, often with a soup consistency.
Salsa verde may also be made chunky-style with bits of intact ingredients, but is version is usually at least partially blended. Tomatillo-based salsa verde has an almost gelatinous quality contributed by its featured nightshade fruits.
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Is Salsa Verde Spicy?
You may expect salsa verde to be the milder sauce between the red and green options, but much of the time, it's as spicy or even spicier.
If you go to an authentic Mexican restaurant, you may find the salsa verde to be on the fiery side. Your best bet is to ask before you try it.
Can I Use Salsa Instead of Salsa Verde?
You can use any kind of salsa you'd like. Feel free to swap salsa verde for red salsa if that's what you prefer in your vegan tacos and burritos. It's just make what you're eating tangier.
If you're cooking a sauce that's based on salsa verde, switching to red salsa will make a huge difference. Enchiladas made with salsa verde sauce are completely different if made with red salsa, usually sweeter and less zesty.
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Does Salsa Verde Freeze Well?
Yes! Salsa verde can be frozen and thawed to a perfect consistency. The caveat is that you'll want to freeze the kind that's been pureed until completely smooth. Tomato chunks may get squishy.
When you freeze salsa verde, make sure that you're using an airtight container so that it doesn't get any of that freezer burn flavor.
Salsa Verde Recipe Tips
Now it's time to check out how salsa verde is prepared. The following videos will also help you figure out what kinds of recipes you can make with green salsa.
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Here's a great recipe for a salsa verde with super fresh ingredients. Here's what you need:
- Tomatillos
- Serrano chili peppers
- Salt
- Cilantro
- Onion
- Avocado
This is a great basic recipe to have in your repertoire: vegan enchiladas verdes. You can start with these ingredients and start adding toppings like vegan cheese and plant-based sour cream:
- Tortillas
- Onions
- Bell peppers
- Corn
- Broccoli
- Mushrooms
- Salt
- Pepper
- Tomatillos
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cilantro
- Vegan milk
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Wrap Up
Salsa verde is not like red salsa—it's tart, picante and potent in flavor. It can be eaten fresh or thawed from frozen and makes a great alternative to red salsa with tortilla chips or on top of vegan tacos. Try vegan enchiladas verdes if you've never had them before. You'll probably want to make them again and again.
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Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
