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Tomatillo Beans

Zesty Tomatillo Beans with Crunchy Cilantro Salad Bliss

This vibrant recipe for Tomatillo Beans features a zesty sauce and crunchy salad, offering a satisfying, healthy meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Tomatillo Sauce
  • 6 Tomatillos Bright and tangy base for the sauce; substitute with green tomatoes if unavailable.
  • 1 Serrano Pepper or Jalapeño Pepper Adds heat to the sauce; can swap for milder peppers depending on spice tolerance.
  • 1 Anaheim or Poblano Pepper Provides sweetness and depth of flavor; any mild variety can be used as a substitute.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Cloves Enhances savory notes; fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro Adds freshness to the sauce; use parsley as an alternative if cilantro isn't preferred.
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Offers sweetness to balance tanginess; maple syrup can be a vegan substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice Brightens the sauce; lemon juice can be used if limes are not available.
  • 2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil For cooking and drizzling over the dish; can replace with avocado oil or any neutral oil.
  • 1 tablespoon Tamari Adds umami; soy sauce can be used if gluten is not a concern.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Enhances all flavors; regular table salt can be substituted, but adjust quantity.
For the Crunchy Cilantro Salad
  • 1 Red Onion Crunchy salad element for added texture; green onions can be used as an alternative.
  • 1 Cucumber Adds crunch to the salad; can substitute with jicama for a different flavor.
For the Beans
  • 2 cans White Beans (canned) Main protein source, providing creaminess; dried beans can be used if cooked beforehand.
  • 1 teaspoon Flaky Salt For finishing touches on the dish; Maldon or sea salt will work well.
  • 1 medium Avocado Creamy topping that complements the dish; replace with guacamole for a richer texture.

Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Tomatillo Beans
  1. Begin by peeling the tomatillos and rinsing them under cold water. In a hot cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, char the tomatillos and serrano pepper for about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until they are darkened and blistered. After charring, cover them for 5 minutes to steam, which helps loosen the skins before processing into a smooth sauce with the Anaheim pepper, garlic, cilantro, honey, lime juice, and seasonings.
  2. While the tomatillo sauce cools, prepare the crunchy cilantro salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced red onion, diced cucumber, chopped tomatillo, and fresh cilantro. Add lime zest and lime juice, followed by a pinch of salt. Toss everything gently for about 1–2 minutes until well mixed and vibrant, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  3. In the same skillet used for the tomatillo sauce, pour in some extra-virgin olive oil and heat it over low heat. Add the drained and rinsed white beans to the pan, cooking them gently for about 3–5 minutes until they warm through and lose any canned taste. Stir in the prepared tomatillo sauce, mixing until everything is evenly coated and heated, creating a fragrant and zesty base for your dish.
  4. To plate the vibrant tomatillo beans, scoop the mixture into bowls and generously top with the crunchy cilantro salad. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil, sprinkle with flaky salt, and finish with sliced avocado for a creamy complement. Serve your delightful Tomatillo Beans immediately, making sure to include a spoon for savoring every flavorful bite!

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 10gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 12gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

Ensure your tomatillos are overly charred for maximum flavor. Always sample the tomatillo sauce and adjust the salt as needed before mixing with beans. Keep the salad and sauce separate from the beans until you're ready to enjoy for freshness.

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