Salsas Taqueras (Red and Green Tomatillo Salsas)

When it comes to making delicious Mexican food at home knowing how to make a mean salsa is a must! Today in my cocina I'm sharing two basic salsa recipes - Salsa Taquera Roja (a fiery red taco salsa) and Salsa Taquera Verde (a mild green tomatillo taco salsa) - both of which could also be titled as "The Easiest Salsa Recipes Ever".

The reason I'm sharing both of these recipes together in one blog post is because the two salsas go hand in hand, and can be found served side-by-side in every taquería (taco stand) in Mexico, hence the name Salsa Taquera (taco salsa). The spicy red árbol chile salsa adds heat to your favorite Mexican dishes, while the mild green tomatillo salsa is a tasty option for those who aren't used to eating spicy foods.

The Salsa Taquera Roja is similar to my Chile de Molcajete in that the ingredients are identical: fresh tomatillos, dried árbol chiles, and garlic. The only difference is that the tomatillos and chiles are boiled instead of roasted. Although this salsa is called as Salsa Taquera, it's not just for tacos. This salsa can be served on just about anything or you can serve it with a big bowl of chips at your next Mexican fiesta or football party.

Salsa Taquera Roja

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. tomatillos, husks removed
• 3 cups water 
• 20 dried árbol chiles, stems removed 
• 1 clove garlic 

Directions:

Bring tomatillos and water to a boil n a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until tomatillos are cooked through; remove from heat. Add the dried árbol chiles and let soak in the hot water for about 5 minutes or until the chiles have softened.

Transfer the tomatillos and árbol chiles to a blender cup using a slotted spoon. Puree tomatillos and árbol chiles with the garlic clove in a blender until smooth. Pour Salsa Taquera Roja into a serving bowl; season with coarse salt. Enjoy! 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Salsa Taquera Verde is a much easier salsa to prepare in that it only calls for fresh tomatillos. You could add chiles, onion, and garlic to this salsa, but then it wouldn't a mild salsa. And it would be an entirely different kind of Salsa Verde. 

This salsa is delicious served over baked fish, grilled meats, tacos, enchiladas, burritos, sopes, tostadas... The possibilities are endless!  

Salsa Taquera Verde 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. tomatillos, husks removed 
• 3 cups water 

Directions:
Bring the tomatillos and water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-heat. Reduce heat to low and let simmer 10 to 12 minutes or until the tomatillos are cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Transfer tomatillos with a slotted spoon to a blender. Puree in blender until smooth. Pour Salsa Taquera Verde into a serving bowl. Season with coarse salt. Enjoy!