Homemade Trader Joe’s Salsa Verde

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Trader Joe’s has always had a way of turning the ordinary into the extraordinary, especially regarding their unique array of food products. This Trader Joe’s Salsa Verde, with its perfect blend of tangy tomatillos, spicy jalapeños, and a punch of garlic, is no exception. However, as much as I adore popping into my local Trader Joe’s to snag a jar, there’s something profoundly satisfying about crafting your version of a beloved classic. It’s about more than just mixing ingredients; it’s about pouring a little piece of yourself into the creation, tweaking the heat, and adjusting the seasonings until it’s yours.

How to make Trader Joe’s Salsa Verde

Trader Joe’s Salsa Verde is a popular salsa offered by the grocery chain Trader Joe’s. It’s a green salsa, which typically features tomatillos as the base ingredient, giving it a tangy and slightly tart flavor. It’s often mixed with other ingredients like green chilies, onions, cilantro, and lime to create a balanced and zesty salsa. It’s great as a dip for chips, a topping for tacos, or an ingredient in various recipes.

Ingredients:

To create a salsa that has the lively, fresh taste of Trader Joe’s Salsa Verde, you will need:

• 1 lb tomatillos (about 5-6 medium), husked and rinsed
• 1-2 medium jalapeños (adjust based on your heat preference)
• 1/2 cup chopped white onion (about half of a medium onion)
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves (lightly packed)
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (for a deeper flavor)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatillos and Jalapeños

1. Preheat your broiler.
2. Cut the tomatillos and jalapeños in half and place them cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
3. Place the baking sheet under the broiler and roast until the tomatillos and jalapeños are charred, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Blend the Ingredients

1. Allow the roasted tomatillos and jalapeños to cool slightly, then transfer them to a blender or food processor.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic cloves, and cilantro to the blender.
3. Squeeze in the juice from the lime and add a good pinch of salt.
4. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth. If it is too thick, you can add a little water.

Step 3: Adjust Seasonings

1. Taste your salsa and adjust the salt or lime juice according to your preferences.
2. If you like a hint of earthiness, a sprinkle of ground cumin can be added at this point.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Transfer the salsa to an airtight container.
2. Refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together.
3. Serve chilled with chips, tacos, or any dish with a bright, zesty kick.

Tips for the Perfect Salsa Verde:

• Char for Flavor: Don’t be afraid to get a good char on the tomatillos and jalapeños. This step adds a smoky depth that is crucial to the salsa’s flavor.
• Adjust the Heat: The heat level of jalapeños can vary significantly. Start with less, taste, and add more if you need extra spice.
• Freshness Counts: This salsa tastes best the day it’s made, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Cilantro: If you are not a fan of cilantro, you can reduce or substitute it with parsley for a different yet still delicious flavor profile.

What to serve with

Trader Joe’s Salsa Verde is a condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. The tangy flavor of the tomatillo-based salsa makes it an excellent accompaniment to many meals.

1. Traditional Mexican Dishes

• With Tacos: Use salsa verde as a topping for chicken, fish, or pork tacos.
• Enchiladas Verdes: Drizzle over or bake into chicken or cheese enchiladas.
• Chilaquiles: Mix with fried tortilla chips, pulled chicken, and cheese, then bake or cook on the stovetop.
• Tamales: Spoon over steamed tamales for added moisture and flavor.

2. Protein Pairings

• Grilled Meats: Salsa verde makes a great sauce for grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
• Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: Use as a base sauce or topping for slow-cooked pork or chicken.
• Breakfast Dishes: Drizzle over scrambled eggs, omelets, or use in huevos rancheros.

3. Snacks and Appetizers

• Chips and Dip: Serve as a salsa dip with tortilla chips.
• Quesadillas: A perfect partner for cheese or chicken quesadillas.
• Taquitos: Dip chicken or beef taquitos in salsa verde for extra zest.

4. Healthy Eats

• Salads: Add a tangy twist to your salads by using it as a dressing base.
• Veggie Bowls: Drizzle over roasted vegetables or use in grain bowls with quinoa or rice.
• Stuffed Peppers: Spoon inside a bell pepper with rice, beans, and cheese, then bake.

5. Sandwiches and Wraps

• Burritos or Burrito Bowls: Use it as part of your burrito filling or over the top of a burrito bowl.
• Wraps: Use in chicken or veggie wraps for a refreshing kick.
• Sandwiches: Spread on sandwiches or burgers as a zesty condiment alternative.

6. Comfort Foods

• Potato Dishes: Swirl into mashed potatoes or drizzle over baked potatoes.
• Mac and Cheese: Mix into mac and cheese for a Mexican twist on the classic.

7. Soups and Stews

• Chicken Soup: Enliven chicken or tortilla soup with a spoonful of salsa verde.
• Bean Stews: Brighten up bean or lentil stews with its vibrant flavor.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a homemade version of Trader Joe’s Salsa Verde allows for personalization and the flexibility to substitute ingredients based on availability or dietary preferences. Here’s a guide on what you might need and how you can replace some of the typical ingredients found in salsa verde:

For Tomatillos:

• Green Tomatoes: A decent substitute if tomatillos are unavailable. Add a little extra lime juice for tanginess.
• Gooseberries: These can work in a pinch due to their similar tangy flavor, though they are less common.

For Cilantro:

• Parsley: If you’re among those for whom cilantro tastes like soap, flat-leaf parsley can be a good substitute, though the flavor profile will change.
• A mix of Parsley and Mint: For a more complex flavor that still keeps the freshness.

For Onions:

• Scallions (Green Onions): These can provide a milder onion flavor with a bit of color.
• Red Onions: If white onions are too intense or unavailable, red onions can be used for a slightly sweeter taste.

For Garlic:

• Garlic Powder: If fresh garlic isn’t on hand, garlic powder or granulated garlic can be used. Use 1/8 teaspoon for every clove.
• Shallots: If the garlic is too strong or you’re out, these can add a mild garlic-onion flavor.

For Green Chilies (like Jalapeños):

• Serrano Peppers: If you want more heat, serranos are a great substitute but hotter.
• Green Bell Peppers: For a much milder salsa with no heat, you might use green bell peppers, perhaps with a dash of chili powder to compensate.

For Lime Juice:

• Vinegar: In the absence of lime, white or apple cider vinegar can bring the necessary acidity, although the distinct lime flavor will be missing.
• Lemon Juice: A closer substitute that still maintains the citrus profile.

For Salt:

• Sea Salt or Kosher Salt: If using table salt, you might want to use a little less as it’s finer and can make the salsa too salty.
• Celery Salt: For an added layer of flavor, though use sparingly and reduce any additional salt.

Final Thoughts

Creating a homemade Trader Joe’s Salsa Verde with substitutes can be a fun experiment that might lead to a new favorite version of this classic sauce. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

More Trader Joe’s Recipes:

• Trader Joe’s Chocolate Covered Gummy Bears
• Trader Joe’s Hot Chocolate Bombs Homemade Recipe
• Homemade Trader Joe’s Truffle Chips Recipe
• Trader Joe’s Cocoa Truffles Recipe (Homemade)
• Homemade Trader Joe’s Passion Fruit Rounds Recipe