Basic Recipes for Preparing Green Sauce

Green sauce, also known as salsa verde, is a versatile and flavorful condiment that can elevate any dish. It is commonly used in Mediterranean, Mexican, and Latin American cuisines. The beauty of green sauce lies in its simplicity – with just a few basic ingredients, you can create a vibrant and tangy sauce that will enhance the flavors of your favorite meals. Here are three easy recipes to get you started:

1. Classic Herb Green Sauce:

Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon capers, drained
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:
1. In a food processor or blender, combine the parsley, cilantro, garlic, capers, mustard, and lemon juice. Pulse until the herbs are finely chopped.
2. With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Transfer the green sauce to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or use as a dip for crusty bread.

2. Creamy Avocado Green Sauce:

Ingredients:
– 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
– 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:
1. In a food processor, combine the avocado, cilantro, jalapeño pepper, garlic, Greek yogurt, and lime juice. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Transfer the creamy avocado green sauce to a bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. This sauce pairs well with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or as a dressing for salads.

3. Spicy Tomatillo Green Sauce:

Ingredients:
– 6 tomatillos, husks removed and rinsed
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and chopped
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the tomatillos and cook until they turn bright green and are slightly soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked tomatillos, jalapeño pepper, onion, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
4. Transfer the spicy tomatillo green sauce to a jar or airtight container and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
5. This sauce is an excellent accompaniment to enchiladas, tacos, or as a marinade for grilled meats.

These basic green sauce recipes allow you to experiment with different herb combinations and spice levels based on your preference. Get creative and add your own twist by incorporating additional ingredients like lime zest, chili flakes, or roasted peppers. Above all, enjoy the process of preparing these flavorful sauces and delight in the way they enhance the taste of your favorite meals.