Description
Mexican pumpkin seed salsa brings earthy, nutty flavors to traditional condiment styles. Home cooks can elevate their table with this simple, authentic sauce that complements grilled meats and fresh tortillas.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240 ml) pumpkin seeds (pepitas), hulled
- 4 medium tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 1 jalapeno or serrano pepper, stem removed (seeds optional for less heat)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) white onion, chopped
- 1 small garlic clove
- ½ cup (120 ml) cilantro leaves, fresh
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lime juice
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt (or to taste)
- ½ to ¾ cup (120–180 ml) water (adjust for texture)
Instructions
- Seed Toasting: Heat a dry skillet over medium flame, spreading pumpkin seeds evenly. Continuously stir seeds, listening for gentle popping and watching for golden transformation. Remove from heat when seeds emit a rich, nutty aroma to prevent burning.
- Tomatillo Preparation: Choose between broiling for smoky depth or boiling to soften tomatillos’ sharp flavor, depending on desired flavor profile.
- Salsa Blending: Combine toasted pumpkin seeds, prepared tomatillos, pepper, garlic, onion, cilantro, kosher salt, and lime juice in blender. Pulse while gradually adding water to create a smooth, pourable consistency. Pause periodically to scrape container sides, ensuring thorough ingredient integration.
- Seasoning Refinement: Taste mixture and adjust seasonings, balancing salt and citrus elements to personal preference. Continue blending until achieving desired texture and flavor harmony.
- Serving Presentation: Transfer salsa to serving dish, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for a few moments before presenting. Serve at room temperature to maximize taste complexity.
Notes
- Toast Seeds Carefully: Watch pumpkin seeds closely during toasting to prevent burning, listening for gentle popping sounds and looking for golden color as indicators of perfect roasting.
- Manage Tomatillo Tanginess: Choose between roasting or boiling tomatillos based on desired flavor intensity, with broiling creating smokier notes and boiling softening sharp acidic profiles.
- Control Blending Consistency: Add water gradually during blending to achieve smooth, pourable texture, pausing to scrape down blender sides and ensure even ingredient integration.
- Adjust Seasoning Thoughtfully: Taste salsa before serving, fine-tuning salt and lime juice levels to balance flavors and create a harmonious final condiment that complements various dishes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 162
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg