One of my favorite phrases in Spanish is “Por que no?”. Simply put, it means “why not?”. I used this phrase quite a bit when I studied abroad in Ecuador. To me it came to mean; don’t overthink it! Just go for it and enjoy the adventure of life. It seems like there are times when I need to apply this mentality to cooking. When I am working with an unfamiliar ingredient or a new recipe I do all my research, watch the ratios and am my own worst critic. But it seems like my most successful dishes come when I throw caution to the wind and let the ingredients “speak to me.”

This tomatillo salsa recipe has been perfected through that organic process. I simplified where I thought I could get away with it and what has come of it is a zesty, refreshing salsa. And it’s easy! I feel like I am always saying that, but seriously… So, say porque no? And venture to the tomatillo section at the grocery store and give this a whirl!

Buen Provecho!

Tomatillo Salsa

Ingredients

• 1 lb tomatillos, husks removed
• 1 yellow onion, cut in half
• 1-2 jalepenos
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 1 lime
• 1/2 bunch cilantro
• salt

1. Pre-heat the grill to medium high. If you don’t have a grill, turn the oven on broil.
2. While your grill is heating peel husks off of tomatillos (FYI: the tomatillo skin is a little sticky), cut the onion in half, try to keep the top intact so the onion stays together on the grill. Peel the garlic and make a little aluminum foil pouch with a drizzle of olive oil in it.
3. Place tomatillos, onion, jalepenos and garlic pouch on grill. Grill on medium high, turning occasionally until everything has a good char on it. You will know the tomatillos are done when they lighten in color and juices start flowing out of them. Since everything cooks a little differently, expect to take things off in stages.
4. Let your jalepenos cool a bit then scrape the skin off. And remove seeds if you don’t want it very spicy.
5. In a food processor blend all the grilled items with the juice of one lime, a half a bunch of cilantro and a big pinch of salt.
6. Let cool and serve with some delicious tortilla chips! Enjoy!