Nuts and seeds have been making their way into Mexican sauces and salsas for centuries. The nutty sesame seeds in this salsa, which is served at a very popular small restaurant in Tijuana called Mi Rincón Cenaduria (My Restaurant Nook), give it body and depth. Use this on steak tacos or even with grilled chicken. Peanuts can be substituted for the sesame seeds.

　　

Ingredients

makes 2 cups

　　1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil

　　1/4 cup minced onion

　　2 large garlic cloves

　　1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted (see Tips, page 23)

　　1/2 cup dried árbol chiles

　　4 large tomatillos, husked and rinsed

　　Salt and freshly ground black pepper

　　

Step 1

Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic cloves and sauté for 5 minutes, or until the garlic is golden brown. Add the sesame seeds and árbol chiles and cook for 5 minutes, or until the chiles are darkened in spots.

　　

Step 2

Meanwhile, heat a medium-size heavy sauté pan over high heat. Add the tomatillos and cook, turning them frequently, for 10 minutes, or until they are pale green and blackened in spots. Add the tomatillos to the chile mixture in the pan, pressing on them with a spatula to break them apart and release their juices. Cook for 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.

　　

Step 3

Transfer the contents of the pan to a blender, and add 1 1/2 cups water. Blend until the salsa is smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cool to room temperature, and then serve.

　　Fresh Mexico