Delicious Guatemalan Green Sauce. What Is It And How Is It Used

In the early 1970s I had never heard of Green Sauce. I moved to Guatemala and lived there for 12 years, so I learned a lot about green sauce and ways it is used in that country. What I didnt know is how many different countries all have a version of a green sauce, with only the color in common. From a rustic mix of green chiles, anchovies, capers and lemon zest, to a combination of greens like sorrel or spinach with other flavoring ingredients, these sauces are versatile.

My recipe for Guatemalan green sauce, or Salsa Verde, is just one of many, and is quite similar to the Mexican version. The basis of my sauce is tomatillos. Similar to ground cherries, tomatillos look like small green tomatoes with a husk. The husk is peeled and discarded, and the tomatillos may be used just as for tomatoes, either raw or cooked. Tomatillos can be uses as a basis for a raw salsa, just as for a tomato salsa used for dip. They may also be combined into a tomato salsa, if desired. Their flavor is tart, much like a green tomato. They may be cooked or canned the same as tomatoes, giving the ability to use them at any time.

Salsa Verde, or Green Sauce

1 pound tomatillos, husks removed
1 large onion, peeled and quartered
1 to 6 jalapenos, optional
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large green bell pepper, seeds and membranes removed, roughly chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped, or about 1 1/2 cups
4 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 to 1/2 cup each parsley and cilantro, coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, stripped from stems
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon allspice

Place tomatillos, onion quarters and jalapenos if using, on a baking sheet. Preheat the broiler with the rack in its highest position. Broil the vegetables until charred, about 4 to 5 minutes, then turn them over and broil for another 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the tomatillos and onion to a blender container. Remove stems from the jalapenos and seeds, if you prefer less heat. Add these to the blender along with the cilantro and parsley. Blend briefly, to combine.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and saut the green pepper and celery until soft, about 7 or 8 minutes. Add in the thyme leaves and garlic and saut for about 2 minutes more. Add this mixture to the blender along with the salt, pepper and allspice and blend until well combined. Return this sauce to the skillet and simmer for about 8 to 10 more minutes, until flavors meld. This makes about 3 cups of sauce.

One of the uses for this sauce in Guatemala is to make what is called Pollo in Jocon. A whole chicken is cup up and cooked in water with salt and onion. Once cooked, the pieces are browned in oil and then the Green Sauce is poured over and allowed to cook and meld flavors. Bay leaf may be added while it is cooking with the chicken. Some will grind a corn tortilla or two and add to the sauce, both as flavor and thickening.

This sauce is also delicious as a dip for chips. It can be used to pour over tortillas rolled up with chicken or other meat inside and baked. Some cheese over top would be a great addition. The sauce can be used as a braising sauce for a beef roast or pork roast with a long, slow cooking time. It would be delicious over poached or grilled fish as well, possibly with the addition of lemon or lime zest. Whatever you choose to cook, this sauce is delicious and healthy.

Thank you for taking the time to read my article. I hope it was informative and helped you along your own culinary journey. You will find many more recipes and helpful tips on my web site. I am on Facebook at A Harmony of Flavors and share a recipe or tip each day to the fans that have liked my site. I hope to see you there soon.