Name: Toasted Chile de Árbol and Tomatillo Salsa
Yield: Makes about 2 cups
Ingredients: 10 dried chiles de árbol, seeds and ribs removed; 3 medium tomatillos, husks removed, rinsed; 3 garlic cloves, smashed; Kosher salt; 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

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For a salsa that won’t send smoke shooting from your ears, be thorough about removing the seeds from the chiles—and even scraping out the ribs, the hottest part.

Recipe information

Yield
Makes about 2 cups

Ingredients

10 dried chiles de árbol, seeds and ribs removed

3 medium tomatillos, husks removed, rinsed

3 garlic cloves, smashed

Kosher salt

1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

Preparation

Step 1
Toast chiles in a medium skillet over medium heat, turning often, until starting to brown lightly in spots (don’t char), about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Step 2
Place chiles, tomatillos, garlic, and 2 1/2 cups water in a medium saucepan and season with salt. Cover, bring to a simmer, and cook until tomatillos turn olive green and burst, 5–8 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit (still covered) 5 minutes.
Step 3
Using a slotted spoon, transfer chiles, tomatillos, and garlic to a blender or food processor; add ½ cup cooking liquid from saucepan and purée until smooth. Add lime juice and season with salt. Let cool before serving.
Do Ahead
Step 4
Salsa can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.