Silky Salsa Verde Recipes

GREEN TOMATO SALSA VERDE

Steps:

• Preheat the broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil. Place the green tomatoes on the baking sheet, stem-side down, and place under the broiler about 2 inches from the heat. Broil two to five minutes, until charred. Using tongs, turn the tomatoes over, and grill on the other side for two to five minutes, until blackened. Remove from the heat. When cool enough to handle, core the tomatoes and remove the charred skin. Quarter and place in a blender or a food processor fitted with a steel blade (I prefer the blender).
• Add the remaining ingredients, except the water, to the blender or food processor, and blend to a coarse or a smooth puree (to your taste). Transfer to a bowl, taste and adjust seasonings, and thin out with water if desired. Allow to stand for 30 minutes or longer before serving to allow the flavors to develop. You may wish to thin out after it stands.

BAKED HALIBUT WITH ARUGULA SALSA VERDE

Steps:

• Position an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• For the fish topping: Mix the chives, parsley and lemon zest in a small bowl. Cover and chill. This can be prepared 4 hours ahead, but keep chilled.
• For the baked halibut: Coat the halibut fillets all over with the olive oil. Place the fish on a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with the salt, pepper and chive-lemon topping, pressing slightly to adhere. Bake the fish just until opaque in the center, 9 to 10 minutes. Transfer 1 fish fillet to each of 4 plates. Spoon the Arugula Salsa Verde alongside. Serve with the lemon wedges, if using.
• Stir the arugula, parsley, olive oil, capers, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt and red pepper together in a small bowl. Cover and chill. The salsa can be prepared 4 hours ahead, but let it stand at room temperature 1 hour before serving.

PRESSED CHICKEN WITH SALSA VERDE

Steps:

• For the salsa verde: Put the parsley, tarragon, cornichons, garlic, anchovies, vinegar, capers and some salt and pepper in a food processor. Pulse a few times to coarsely chop the herbs. With the machine running, drizzle in the olive oil to make a thick but pourable sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• For the pressed chicken: Heat a charcoal or gas grill to medium-low.
• Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Line up the breasts skin-side down on the grill and lay a piece of foil on top to cover; do the same with the thighs. Set a heavy skillet on top of the breasts and a second skillet atop the thighs. Weight each skillet with a foil-wrapped brick. Cover the grill and cook, checking for color once or twice, until the skin is deep golden-brown and crisp, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the bricks, skillets and foil and set aside. Flip the chicken, cover the grill and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F, another 5 to 10 minutes depending on thickness.
• Remove the chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Cut each breast through the bone into 3 or 4 pieces and transfer to a platter along with the whole thighs. Drizzle the chicken with some salsa verde. Serve the remaining salsa verde on the side.

SALSA VERDE (GREEN SAUCE)

Steps:

• Chop the herbs and garlic, mixing with 1 tsp sea salt, until very fine.
• Add the mustard and capers, and combine. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the olive oil.
• Add the vinegar, little by little, stirring and tasting as you go - trust your palate!

QUICK SALSA VERDE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add salt. Cook tomatillos until pale, about 5 minutes. Drain; cut each into 4 wedges. Puree tomatillos, garlic, cilantro, jalapeno, and onion in a food processor.
• Transfer tomatillo mixture to a medium stockpot. Bring to a simmer over low heat; cook until thickened, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.