Green Salsa Recipe for Canning: Bring the Heat All Year Round
Craving the vibrant, fresh taste of homemade green salsa, but want to enjoy it throughout the year? Canning your own green salsa is the perfect way to capture summer's flavor and enjoy it even when the garden's gone quiet.
This recipe gives you a delicious, versatile green salsa that's perfect for topping tacos, enchiladas, nachos, or even just a simple bowl of tortilla chips. Plus, it's easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and spice levels.
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds ripe tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 2 large jalapeno peppers, stemmed and coarsely chopped (or more for extra heat!)
- 1 large white onion, quartered
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salsa:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place tomatillos, jalapenos, onion, cilantro, and garlic in a large roasting pan.
- Toast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly softened and browned.
- Let cool slightly before blending.
2. Blend and Season:
- Combine the roasted ingredients with cumin seeds, salt, pepper, lime juice, and white vinegar in a blender.
- Blend until smooth, adding a little water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
3. Can the Salsa:
- Sterilize jars: Wash jars and lids in hot, soapy water, then rinse thoroughly.
- Fill jars: Ladle hot salsa into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
- Process in a water bath: Place jars in a large pot with a rack to prevent direct contact with the bottom. Pour enough water into the pot to cover the jars by at least an inch. Bring the water to a boil, then process for 20 minutes.
- Cool and store: Carefully remove jars from the boiling water bath. Allow to cool completely, then check for proper sealing. Store in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Tips:
- Customize your salsa: Experiment with different peppers (serrano, habanero) or add other ingredients like roasted corn, tomatoes, or even mango for a sweeter flavor.
- Adjust spice level: If you prefer milder salsa, remove the seeds from the jalapenos before roasting.
- Use fresh cilantro: For the best flavor, use fresh cilantro.
- Label your jars: Label each jar with the date and contents for easy identification.
Enjoy your delicious homemade green salsa all year long!
