Basic Herb Salsa Recipes

BASIC HERB SALSA

Steps:

• Combine parsley, zest, salt and olive oil in a medium mixing bowl. Use a rasp grater to finely grate garlic into the bowl. Stir to combine.
• Just before serving, stir in vinegar. Taste and adjust salt and acid as needed. (Acid will dull the vibrant flavor and color of the herbs over time, so if you plan to store some of the sauce for future use, add acid to only the portion you're using. Sauce, without vinegar, will keep in the refrigerator up to 2 days; bring to room temperature before using.)

FRESH HERB SALSA VERDE

Steps:

• In a food processor, combine herbs, garlic, and vinegar; if desired, add capers and anchovy fillets. Pulse until coarsely chopped, 20 seconds. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

GREEN HERB SALSA

Steps:

• Using a chef's knife (or food processor) finely chop almonds, garlic, and herbs. Stir (or blend) in oil and red-pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. (To store, refrigerate, up to 1 day.) Stir in vinegar just before serving.

HERB SALSA

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender.
• Warm gently before spooning on fish or vegetables.

PAN-SEARED BRANZINO WITH HERB SALSA

Steps:

• Mince the anchovies, capers, garlic and red pepper flakes together on a cutting board, then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and mash into a paste using the flat side of a chef's knife. Transfer to a food processor along with the parsley, mint and marjoram. With the motor running, drizzle in the olive oil and process until smooth; transfer to a medium bowl.
• Toast the fennel seeds in a skillet over medium heat, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and crush with the bottom of a small skillet. Combine with 1/4 cup of the herb mixture and the herbes de Provence in a small bowl. Put the fish fillets in a shallow dish and brush with the fennel seed-herb mixture. Cover and refrigerate 2 to 4 hours.
• Meanwhile, add the lemon juice, bell pepper and cucumbers to the remaining herb mixture. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Heat 2 large nonstick skillets over medium-high heat. Brush the excess marinade off the fish. Working in batches, add the fish to the skillets, skin-side up, and cook until browned on the bottom, about 4 minutes. Flip the fillets, pressing with a spatula to sear the skin, and cook 2 more minutes. Serve with the herb salsa and lemon wedges.

HOMEMADE HERB SALT

Steps:

• Place 1/2 cup coarse sea salt, rosemary, and lemon thyme in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse, grinding salt until rosemary and thyme have a fine consistency. Add 1 cup sea salt and pulse to combine.
• Pour salt mixture into a shallow baking dish and let air dry for 2 hours. Transfer salt to a glass jar and screw on lid.

SALSA

Steps:

• In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, tomatillo, and salt to taste. Mix well. Add 1/2 of the jalapeno pepper, and taste. If you desire your salsa with more of a kick, add the remaining 1/2 jalapeno. If you are satisfied with the salsa's heat, do not add the remaining jalapeno pepper. Cover the salsa, and chill until ready to serve.

HERB AND SHALLOT SALSA

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and let sit 5 minutes. If mixture seems thick, thin with a little water, neutral oil (like canola or corn oil) or additional lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve with grilled meat, chicken or fish.