Mark Hix recipe: Tomatillo and guava salsa

Serves 6-8

(Jason Lowe)

You can find fresh tomatillos in some specialist greengrocers or Mexican or South American shops. Tomatillo is a member of the physalis or Cape gooseberry family, and is firm and slightly sour – which is why it's perfect for salsas.

Green or under-ripe tomatoes also work, if you can't get tomatillo. Asian supermarkets or specialist greengrocers often sell guava; if not, a pear would give a similar sweet and savoury flavour.

4-5 tomatillos, or 2-3 large green tomatoes, cut into 1cm dice
3-4 guavas, cut into 1cm dice, or a couple of pears, peeled, cored and diced
3 spring onions, cut in half lengthways and finely chopped
2 medium green chillies, finely chopped
2tbsp chopped coriander, stalks and all
1tbsp chopped mint
2tbsp olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Mix all of the ingredients together and season to taste.