Ingredients:
- 2 large garlic cloves, peeled
- 1⁄2 pound (about 4 medium) tomatillos, husked, rinsed and cut in half
- 1/2 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and roughly chopped
- Salt
- 8 ounces panela or queso fresco cheese, cut into 3/4 inch cubes—you’ll have 2 loosely packed cups
- 1 T finely chopped white onion
- About 1/4 cup (loosely packed) chopped cilantro
Directions:
- Set a small non-stick skillet over medium-high heat (if no non-stick skillet is available, lay in a piece of foil). Lay in the garlic and tomatillos (cut side down). When the tomatillos are well browned, 3 or 4 minutes, turn everything over and brown the other side. (The tomatillos should be completely soft.)
- Scoop the tomatillos and garlic into a blender or food processor, and let cool to room temperature, about 3 minutes. Add the jalapeño and 1/2 cup water. Blend to a smooth puree. Taste and season with salt, usually a generous 1⁄2 teaspoon.
- Pour the salsa into a medium (3-quart) saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cheese. When the cheese is heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes, pour the mixture into a warm serving dish—in Mexico, they often use a stone mortar (molcajete).
- Scoop the chopped onion into a strainer and rinse under cold water. Sprinkle over the dish, along with the chopped cilantro. Serve right away with freshly baked chips. Serves 4-6 as a snack.
Skills:
- working with a multi-step recipe
Equipment: skillet, blender or food processor, medium sauce pan
Source:
RickBayless.com Recipe from Season 4 of Mexico – One Plate at a Time
