Salsa Verde

Here is a little green to add to your St. Patrick's Day meals. Salsa verde is my version of ketchup, I put it on EVERYTHING! I love it on my eggs in the morning, I dip my grilled cheese in it for lunch and I smother it on my fish tacos for dinner. And let me tell you how awesome the house smells while all the ingredients roast away in the oven...YUM!

This makes me smile!

Salsa Verde
Ingredients:

• 2 pounds tomatillos, husks removed and washed
• 2 poblano peppers
• 2-4 jalapenos (depending on heat preference)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 4-5 garlic cloves, lightly smashed
• 1 handful cilantro
• 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil
• 1/4 cup lime juice (use bottled if you are planning to can this salsa)
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon each salt, pepper, oregano and cumin

Directions:
Preheat oven to 475. Place first 6 ingredients onto a large sheet pan or roasting dish, drizzle with oil and toss to coat. Roast for about 20 minutes, just until the tomatillos and peppers start to char.
While roasting mix remaining ingredients in a medium bowl.
Blend all ingredients together (may have to do this in batches) and pour into a medium saucepan.
Bring to a boil then reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes.

If canning:
Pour salsa into sterilized pint jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace, clean rims before placing the lids on securely. Place jars in a large stockpot and cover jars with at least 1 inch of hot water. Bring to a rolling boil and continue to boil for 12 minutes. Carefully remove from stockpot and let cool. Before storing, make sure that the jars sealed properly. Will store for 1 year.

If freezing or keeping in the refrigerator:
If you are not canning you can use fresh lime. Pour salsa in airtight container of choice (if freezing, make sure container is freezer safe). Will store in refrigerator for 2-3 weeks and freezer for up to 3 months.

Yield: about 4 pints

The reason fresh lime is not preferred for canning is that the pH can vary quite a bit and when you are canning, pH is important. Bottled lime juice is more consistent in pH levels.