If you have a surplus of green tomatoes and aren’t sure how to use them, you’re in the right place. Green tomatoes offer a unique taste and can be transformed into many delicious dishes.
From fried green tomatoes to soups and salsas, there are plenty of ways you can enjoy this tart and crunchy fruit. Below, you’ll find a variety of recipes that make the most of green tomatoes, so you don’t have to let them go to waste.
1) Green Tomato Salsa
Green tomato salsa is a tasty and easy way to use up unripe tomatoes. Start by gathering your ingredients: green tomatoes, garlic, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, kosher salt, and lime juice.
Place the green tomatoes, garlic, onion, and jalapeño on a baking sheet. Broil them on high for about 4 to 5 minutes. Flip the veggies and broil for another 4 to 5 minutes until they begin to blacken.
Once broiled, add everything to a food processor. Be sure to use only half of the jalapeño if you don’t want too much heat. Add some fresh cilantro, a pinch of kosher salt, and a splash of lime juice.
Blend until you reach the desired consistency. If you like a chunkier salsa, pulse the mixture a few times. For a smoother salsa, blend it longer. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Serve your green tomato salsa with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos. It provides a fresh, tangy flavor that pairs well with many dishes. This recipe is perfect for summer gatherings or just a quick snack. Enjoy your homemade salsa!
2) Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are a Southern classic that you can easily make at home. You’ll need green tomatoes, flour, buttermilk, cornmeal, and your favorite seasonings.
First, slice the green tomatoes about 1/4 inch thick. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Next, set up three bowls for your coating process. One with flour, one with buttermilk, and one with a mixture of cornmeal, bread crumbs, and seasonings.
Dip each tomato slice in the flour, then in the buttermilk, and finally coat it in the cornmeal mixture. Make sure each slice is evenly coated.
Heat oil in a deep skillet to 375°F (190°C). Gently place the tomato slices in the hot oil, frying a few at a time to prevent overcrowding. Fry each side until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Remove the fried tomatoes and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot for the best texture and flavor. These make a great snack or side dish, especially when paired with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your crispy, tangy fried green tomatoes!
3) Green Tomato Relish
Green tomato relish is a tangy and sweet condiment that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. It’s easy to make and helps you use up green tomatoes from your garden.
Begin by chopping green tomatoes, onions, and red bell peppers into small pieces. Combine them with sugar, vinegar, celery seed, mustard seed, and salt in a large pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it is boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly. This helps the flavors blend together nicely.
While the relish is cooking, sterilize some glass jars. You can do this by boiling the jars and lids in water for a few minutes. Make sure they are completely dry before using them.
Once the relish is ready, carefully fill the sterilized jars with the hot mixture. Fill the jars to the top and remove any air bubbles. Screw the lids on tightly to seal.
Green tomato relish can be stored in a dark, cool place for months. It makes a great topping for burgers, hot dogs, or even grilled meats. Enjoy the fresh, zesty taste of homemade relish all year round.
4) Green Tomato Chutney
Green tomato chutney is a fantastic way to use up tomatoes that haven’t ripened. This savory and tangy spread is perfect with bread, cheese, or meats.
To make green tomato chutney, start with about 1 Kg of green tomatoes. You can either skin them or not, depending on your preference. Chop them into small pieces.
Add 1 Kg of chopped red onions to the tomatoes. Mix in 150 g of raisins, which adds a sweet touch. You can use either ordinary or golden raisins.
Include 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper, 1/4 tsp of black pepper, and 2 tsp of sea salt for flavoring. Combine everything well.
In a large pot, mix all the ingredients and bring them to a boil over low heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes.
Taste the chutney and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once it’s done, let it cool. You can store the chutney in sterilized jars for later use.
This green tomato chutney is a simple recipe but packed with flavor. It’s a great addition to your pantry, perfect for spicing up many dishes.
5) Green Tomato Pickles
Green tomato pickles are a tasty and easy way to use up unripe tomatoes. Start by washing and slicing the green tomatoes into wedges or rounds.
In a pot, combine vinegar, water, and kosher salt, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiled, carefully pack your sliced tomatoes into sterilized jars with cloves of garlic and sprigs of dill.
Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the tomatoes, making sure they are fully covered. Add the spices like peppercorns, turmeric, cumin seeds, and red chili flakes.
Seal the jars and let them cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for a few hours before enjoying for the best flavor. These pickles can be stored in the fridge and enjoyed as a snack or a side dish with meals.
6) Green Tomato Jam
Green Tomato Jam is a surprising way to use up those unripe tomatoes. Start by chopping your green tomatoes into small pieces. Make sure to remove all seeds.
Put the tomato pieces into a large pot. Use a heavy-bottomed, nonreactive pot to avoid any metallic taste. Then, add sugar and the juice of half a lemon.
Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir regularly so it doesn’t scorch.
For extra flavor, you can add vanilla and lemon zest during the last five minutes. Make sure to mix everything well.
After simmering, pour the hot mixture through a strainer to get rid of seeds and skin. Then, let it cool before you store it.
Pour the jam into jars, leaving about half an inch at the top. Cool completely before sealing with lids. You can refrigerate the jam for up to three weeks.
If you prefer, you can can the jam. Place the jars in a canner with boiling water, making sure the jars are fully covered. Boil for 20 minutes and then let the jars sit for five more minutes in the hot water.
That’s it! You’ve made delicious Green Tomato Jam.
7) Green Tomato Ketchup
Green tomato ketchup is a unique twist on a traditional condiment.
Start by layering sliced green tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions in a large bowl. Sprinkle salt between each layer to help draw out moisture. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 5 hours.
Once chilled, rinse the vegetables under running water to remove the salt. Transfer them to a large pan. Add cider vinegar and a bag of mixed pickling spices to the pan for extra flavor.
Simmer the mixture over low heat for 4 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally. This helps blend the flavors together and softens the vegetables.
After cooking, remove the pickling spices. Use a wand blender or a food processor to puree the mixture until smooth. Strain the puree through a mesh strainer to ensure a silky texture.
Store the final ketchup in an airtight jar. Enjoy it on burgers, hot dogs, or as a dip!
8) Green Tomato Pie
Green Tomato Pie is an unexpected but delightful way to use green tomatoes. The tartness of the tomatoes pairs well with the sweet spices and buttery crust.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare your pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie pan.
For the filling, mix together sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Toss this mixture with sliced green tomatoes until they are evenly coated.
Pour the tomato mixture into the prepared crust. Dot with small pieces of butter for added richness. If you like, top the pie with a lattice made from strips of pie crust.
Bake the pie until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. This usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Cool before serving to let the filling set.
Green Tomato Pie is perfect for adding a unique twist to your dessert lineup. It balances tart and sweet flavors, making it a memorable dish for any occasion.
9) Green Tomato Soup
Green tomato soup is a delicious way to use up your garden’s surplus. This soup has a tangy flavor that sets it apart from traditional tomato soup.
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Slice your green tomatoes and place them in a roasting pan. Add whole garlic cloves and quartered onions. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
Roast the vegetables for about 30 minutes, until they are soft and start to brown. Let them cool for a few minutes. Transfer the roasted tomatoes, garlic, and onions to a large pot.
Add vegetable stock and bring it to a boil. Use a hand blender or food processor to purée the mixture until smooth. For added flavor, consider mixing in some basil or adding a splash of red wine.
Enjoy your green tomato soup with croutons or a dollop of pesto on top. This soup can be served hot or chilled, making it versatile for any season.
10) Green Tomato Pasta Sauce
Green tomato pasta sauce is a fresh and tasty way to use up extra green tomatoes.
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Place green tomatoes, chopped onions, garlic cloves, and basil in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Roast the mixture for about an hour, stirring once. This helps the flavors blend together. Once the tomatoes are soft, remove the dish from the oven.
Transfer everything to a food processor and blend until smooth. You can add a bit of vegetable broth if you want a thinner sauce, or leave it thicker for a more robust flavor.
For extra richness, simmer the blended sauce in a saucepan with a splash of milk and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it cook on low for 20-25 minutes. This will make the sauce creamy and delicious.
Toss the finished sauce with your favorite pasta and enjoy!
Nutritional Benefits of Green Tomatoes
Green tomatoes are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants while being low in calories and high in fiber. These properties make them a healthy addition to your diet.
Vitamins and Minerals
Green tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, C, and K. Vitamin A supports eye health, while Vitamin C boosts your immune system and helps with collagen production. Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting and bone health.
Minerals like potassium and manganese are also present in significant amounts. Potassium helps maintain proper heart function and regulates fluid balance. Manganese is essential for metabolism and bone formation.
Antioxidants
Green tomatoes are a good source of antioxidants like chlorogenic acid and beta-carotene. Chlorogenic acid reduces inflammation and helps manage blood sugar levels. Beta-carotene converts into vitamin A in your body, providing additional eye health benefits.
These antioxidants combat free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, they help prevent cell damage and support overall well-being.
Calories and Macronutrients
Green tomatoes are low in calories, making them a great choice for weight management. A medium-sized green tomato contains about 30 calories. They are also high in dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.
In terms of macronutrients, green tomatoes contain small amounts of protein and are virtually fat-free. Their carbohydrate content is also low, mainly consisting of natural sugars and fiber. This balance makes them a versatile ingredient for various healthy recipes.
Cooking Tips for Green Tomatoes
To make the most of green tomatoes, it’s crucial to start with the best ones and store them properly. You should also explore various preparation methods to find your favorite way to enjoy their unique flavor.
Selecting the Best Green Tomatoes
Choose firm tomatoes with a bright, green color. Avoid any with soft spots, bruises, or signs of ripening. Size can vary, so focus more on their firmness and color rather than how big they are.
- Small flaws can be cut away, but large blemishes are better avoided.
- Tomatoes should have smooth, shiny skin.
- Look for tomatoes that feel heavy for their size, indicating juiciness.
How to Store Green Tomatoes
For short-term storage, keep them in a cool, dark place. If you need them to last longer, refrigerate them, but be aware it might affect their flavor.
- Counter Storage: Place in a single layer, not touching each other, to avoid bruising.
- Fridge Storage: Store in the crisper drawer in a paper bag to prevent moisture loss.
- Wrap each tomato in newspaper if you need to store a large batch to slow down ripening.
Preparation Methods
When preparing green tomatoes, there are many ways to highlight their tart flavor.
- Frying: Slice, bread with cornmeal and flour, then fry until golden.
- Pickling: Combine vinegar, dill, sugar, and spices. Pour over sliced tomatoes and refrigerate.
- Salads: Dice and mix with lettuce, grains, or pasta for a fresh crunch.
- Sauces and Relishes: Cook down with onions, peppers, and spices for a tangy sauce.
Explore using them in tapenade or homemade buttermilk dressing as flavorful new ways to savor green tomatoes.
