Serrano Salsa Recipes

Steps:

• Core the tomatoes, then cut in half widthwise and squeeze out the seeds if you wish (it will give the sauce a less rustic appearance). Finely dice the flesh by slicing it into roughly 1/4-inch thick pieces, then cutting each slice into small dice. Scoop into a bowl.
• Cut the chiles in half lengthwise (wear rubber gloves if your hands are sensitive to the piquancy of the chiles) and scrape out the seeds if you wish (not only will this make the salsa seem less rustic, but it will make it a little less picante). Chop the chiles as finely as you can, then add them to the tomatoes. Carefully bunch up the cilantro sprigs, and, with a sharp knife, slice them 1/16-inch thick, stems and all, working your way down from the leafy end until you run out of leaves. Scoop the chopped cilantro into the tomato mixture along with the optional garlic. Next, finely dice the onion with a knife (a food processor will turn it into a sour mess), scoop it into a small strainer, then rinse it under cold water. Shake to remove the excess water and add to the tomato mixture. Taste and season with lime juice and salt, and let stand if you have a little time, for the flavors to meld before using or scooping into a salsa dish and serving.

Steps:

• Combine canned and fresh tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a food processor; pulse 5 times to chop. Add cilantro, serrano and jalapeno peppers, lime juice, salt, and cumin and process for 10 seconds. Pulse further to desired consistency. Check and adjust seasoning as desired.

Steps:

• Add olive oil to a medium-sized sauté pan.
• Place over medium-high heat.
• When oil is hot, stir in Serrano chilies and garlic.
• Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring often so garlic does not burn.
• Add onion and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes.
• Add yellow pepper, sauté for 1 minute.
• Stir in tomato paste, brown sugar, oregano and coriander; cook for 1 minute.
• Add tomatoes, vinegar, salt, pepper and capers.
• Turn up heat to high and bring sauce to slight boil; remove from heat immediately.
• The vegetables should retain crispness.
• Chill thoroughly before serving.

Steps:

• Put all in a food processor and process to a somewhat smooth consistency. Adjust seasonings to taste and chill overnight.

Steps:

• Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and cook tomatillos 6 minutes. Add garlic and cook with tomatillos for 2 minutes more. Drain and rinse with cool water.
• Add tomatillos, garlic, chiles, lime, oil, salt, cumin, and cayenne to a blender or the bowl of a food processor and process until combined but slightly chunky. Add cilantro and onion and lightly pulse to combine. Texture should remain slightly chunky. Season with salt if necessary.
• Do Ahead
• Salsa can be made 5 days ahead. Chill in a resealable container.

Steps:

• Heat oil in a medium Dutch oven or other heavy pot over high. Add onion, garlic, and chiles. Reduce heat to maintain a low simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent, chiles are blistered, and garlic is golden around the edges, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer vegetables to a blender or food processor and let cool 10 minutes.
• Add peanut butter, bouillon, and ½ tsp. salt to blender and purée. Remove small inset lid from top and, with the machine on the lowest setting, slowly pour in half the cooking oil (1 cup). Blend until salsa is velvety and emulsified. (Discard remaining oil or strain and reserve for another use, such as frying eggs or cooking the mushrooms for these tacos). Taste salsa and season with more salt if needed.
• Transfer to a small bowl and top with peanuts just before serving.
• Do ahead: Salsa (without peanut topping) can be made 2 weeks ahead. Cover and chill.