3 oz Hulled raw pumpkin seeds OR 3 oz Pine nuts
3 c Chicken stock (no salt)
3/4 lb Tomatillos, husked & washed
2 Jalapenos or serranos (2-3)
1/2 Medium onion, rough chopped
3 Garlic cloves, rough chopped
4 Cilantro sprigs (4-5)
1/4 t Cumin seeds or ground cumin
3/4 Inch cinnamon stick OR
3/4 t Ground cinnamon
2 Whole cloves OR pinch ground
5 Lg Romaine lettuce leaves OR
5 Leaf lettuce leaves
Salt to taste
1 T Safflower or sunflower oil
Toast the Pumpkin
(or Pine) seeds in a dry frying pan, shaking pan
or stirring constantly until they are browned
and toasty (for pine nuts) or until they have
browned and popped (for pumpkin seeds).
Remove from the heat and transfer to a blender
jar if you're using pine nuts or to a bowl if
you're using pumpkin seeds.
If you're using pine nuts, blend with 1 cup of
the stock until smooth, then strain through a
medium-mesh strainer.
If you're using pumpkin seeds, pulverize in a
spice mill in batches and sift into a bowl.
Stir in 1 cup of the stock and mix well. Set aside.
Simmer tomatillos in water to cover with the chilies
(remove stems, seeds and membranes from chilies)
and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
Drain and place in the blender jar. Add the onion,
garlic, and cilantro.
Grind the spices in a spice mill and add to the
blender jar.
Add the lettuce leaves and salt.
Blend until the mixture is smooth.
Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan or casserole
over medium heat.
Add the nut or seed mixture and cook, stirring
constantly, until the mixture thickens, about
5 minutes.
Add the tomatillo mixture and cook again, stirring
for about 5 to 10 minutes, until the mixture is
thick.
Stir in the remaining 2 cups chicken stock, bring
to a simmer, cover partially, and simmer for 30
minutes.
Taste and correct seasonings.
If the mixture seems too thick, stir in a little
more chicken stock.
Yield: About 3 cups sauce.
Serve with grilled or poached chicken breasts
as main course. Use as a dip with crudites, as
a topping for nachos or enchiladas.
Add lime or lemon juice or vinegar and use as
a salad dressing. Sauce freezes well.
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