Tomatillo Salsa, Mild or Hot

To make: 10 minutes

To blend flavors: 1 hour

2 cups husked, rinsed and chopped tomatillos (or use 1 1/2 cups tomatillos and 1/2 cup cored and chopped ripe or green tomatoes)

2 medium poblano or other mild green fresh chilies, optional, preferably roasted and skinned

1 teaspoon minced garlic, or to taste

1/4 cup chopped white onion

Salt and pepper to taste

Cayenne or minced jalapeno to taste, optional

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, or to taste

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

In a bowl, combine tomatillos, poblanos if you are using them, garlic, onion, salt, pepper and cayenne or chili. Let stand at room temperature for up to an hour, or refrigerate for up to 1/2 day (bring back to room temperature before serving). Taste and adjust seasoning, then stir in lime juice and half the cilantro; taste and adjust seasoning again, then garnish with remaining cilantro. Serve.

Yield: About 2 cups or 16 servings.

Per serving (per 2 tablespoons): 10 calories; 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat; 0 percent calories from fat); 2 g carbohydrates; 0 mg cholesterol; 19 mg sodium; 0.4 g protein; 0.5 g fiber.