Classic Italian Salsa Verde Recipe
Category: Sauces and Condiments
Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 2 hours
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Anchovies in oil | 3 fillets |
Garlic | 2 cloves |
Fresh parsley | 120g |
Salted capers | 1 tbsp |
Egg yolks | 2 |
White wine vinegar | 50g |
Stale bread | 80g |
Extra virgin olive oil | 150g |
Black pepper | To taste |
Table salt | To taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Eggs
Begin by boiling a small pot of water. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the eggs and cook them for about 10 minutes to achieve hard-boiled eggs. After cooking, immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, peel the eggs, cut them in half, and separate the yolks. Set the yolks aside in a small bowl. -
Soak the Bread
While the eggs are cooling, take the stale bread and remove any crusts. Tear the bread into small pieces and place it in a bowl. Cover with water and let it soak for about 10 minutes until the bread softens. After soaking, use your hands to squeeze out the excess water from the bread. Add the moistened bread to the bowl with the egg yolks. -
Prepare the Garlic and Capers
Peel the garlic cloves, cut them in half, and remove the germ (the central, green part). This will make the garlic milder in flavor. Next, rinse the salted capers thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess salt. Once rinsed, chop them finely or crush them lightly with the back of a knife to release their flavor. -
Combine the Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the finely chopped garlic, capers, and parsley. Add the bread and egg yolks to this mixture. Stir well to combine the ingredients into a rough paste. Use a spoon or a pestle to mash and blend the mixture into a cohesive paste. -
Add Vinegar and Olive Oil
Add the white wine vinegar to the mixture, followed by a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Stir continuously to emulsify the sauce into a smooth consistency. You may need to adjust the quantity of olive oil depending on the desired thickness of the sauce. -
Season the Sauce
Season the salsa verde with black pepper and a pinch of salt to taste. Remember, the anchovies and capers already provide a salty base, so taste before adding additional salt. -
Resting Time
Once everything is well combined, cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let the salsa verde rest at room temperature for about 2 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and develop, making the sauce more flavorful. -
Serve
After the resting period, your salsa verde is ready to be served. This vibrant and flavorful sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, including boiled meats like beef or chicken, seafood, or simply spread on crispy crostini.
Tips for Perfect Salsa Verde
- The anchovies and capers add a briny depth to the sauce, but feel free to adjust these to suit your taste preferences.
- If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can blend the sauce in a food processor for a finer texture.
- For an extra touch of flavor, you can experiment by adding a spoonful of Dijon mustard or a dash of lemon juice to the mix.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 160 kcal |
Protein | 3g |
Carbohydrates | 6g |
Fat | 14g |
Saturated Fat | 2g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sugars | 1g |
Sodium | 700mg |
This recipe for Salsa Verde will elevate any meal with its fresh, herby flavors and rich, tangy notes. Perfect for adding a touch of Italy to your table!