Tomatillo Recipes to Try: Explore the Sweet and Tangy Flavors!

If you like something tangy, then why not try out tomatillos this season? After all, these are the most extraordinary creations of God bestowed upon us! The best part about tomatillos is that you can use them for several recipes! That's how versatile tomatillos are! If you have been to the stores in the morning and bought a bag of tomatillos then you are looking at the right place to find ways to make it! Here is a complete guide to what is tomatillo and how you can use it for the preparation of wonderful tomatillo recipes! So are you ready?

So do you know what a tomatillo is?

Good question! If you randomly came across tomatillos in the shop and wondered what they are exactly then here is something that you should read on. These belong to the species of Physalis philadelphica or Physalis ixocarpa and are a type of berry that you will easily come across in stores. These have a tangy flavor and if you are trying them for the first time then you will observe that tomatillos have a tangy taste as well! There are many tiny seeds which are packed inside the calyx. Tomatillos are a part of the potato and pepper family. They are also called Chinese lantern plants.

• What is the meaning of the word tomatillos- tomatillo is a Spanish word that means little tomatoes. These look quite similar and taste alike to the latter. Also known as tomatoes Verde, these are green tomatoes that are extremely crispy and juicy at the same time.

What is the origin of green tomatoes?

Also known as husk tomatoes, these are Mexican green cherries that are about three hundred years old! The size of these tomatillos is much smaller than the standard tomatoes however, they carry double the flavors. These were wild plants that were domesticated by the Aztecs first around 800 BCE. Ever since then, it has been an important crop in the region of Central America. In the western parts of Mexico, the plants are a transition between wild and domesticated variants. If not harvested, the seeds fall in the region where the plant is a fresh sapling reappears. Summer and fall season is the most common time of the year when tomatillos are harvested in abundance.

So what exactly do these tomatillos look like?

Tomatillos are mainly used in the preparation of salsa verde and mainly resemble the shape of golf balls. Hence you can imagine how small these are! The tomatillos are mainly of tougher skin and more seeds than the standard tomatoes. There is a papery husk that covers the tomatillos and needs to be removed when you are planning to cook the tomatillos. All you need to do is peel off the skin and wash it in warm water! Keep it soaked for a while so the dirt and dust are completely removed. This also helps you remove any sticky residue as well.

The taste of tomatillos is mostly sour and sweet combined. These are mainly like green apples which have a citrusy edge and essence. The texture is dense and dry and remains firm even when ripened.

What are tomatillos mainly used for?

These are native to Central America and Mexico and we're mainly used to make salsa! They can both be enjoyed raw or you can have them as tomatillos tarts even. When blended with spicy pepper these even taste better than before! You can add tomatillos to salads and use them as dressing. In place of lemon juice, you can add tomatillos to meat for a sharp and sour essence. However, when you cook them, the sour taste almost goes away and you can enjoy the sweetish hint. Chopped tomatillos are added to soup for a taste enhancer. If you are making casserole or enchiladas do not forget to add tomatillos to the dish. We can guarantee you that you will love it.

What is the technique for making tomatillos?

If you are planning to store tomatillos for later use then once you buy them from the store, keep them in a paper bag. The husk should not be allowed to get removed! This way you can keep the freshness of the fruit intact for about two to three weeks. When you wish to consume them, remove the husk with your hand and then wash the waxy coating off the fruit! You may eat it raw or chop, cook, and add it to the dish. Unripe tomatillos are sour and extremely bitter so you should definitely buy the ripened variety. There are some debates regarding if unripened tomatillos are toxic or not but that fact is still under extensive studies and no conclusions have been made.

Interesting facts that you didn't know about tomatillos

If you are making tomatillos for the first time then we are sure you might not know everything about the fruit! Here are some facts that will definitely intrigue you!

There is a common misconception about tomatillos! People often think that tomatillos are small green tomatoes but contrary to the common belief, these are in fact berries! Although in Spanish, Tomatillos translates into baby tomatoes. The husk is the outer coating that is removed before the tomatillos are washed and then allowed to be chopped or cooked. Sometimes in the supermarket, these are sold after the husk has been removed to make them look even more attractive.

What is the basic point of difference between tomatillos and tomatoes?

If you compare in size, texture, and color, some basic points of difference can be noted. It shall be noted that tomatillos are even smaller and firmer than green tomatoes. The largest tomatillos will be the size of a golf ball while green tomatoes can grow up to the size of a softball. However, tomatillos are definitely larger than cherry tomatoes. No matter how ripe these tomatillos become they are always firm and tough, unlike the ripened tomatoes.

An interesting fact about history again- you will be surprised to find out that the earliest fossil of the tomatillo plant was found in Patagonia and dates to 52 million years ago. However not at least till 800 BCE did they receive any recognition before they were domesticated and cultivated. The fruit tomatillo reached southern Europe through the conquest of Spain over Mexico. The distinctive flavor of the chutneys and curries was provided by tomatillos to the Australian, South African, and Indian cuisines even.

Let's now find out about some wonderful tomatillo recipes in the article ahead!

Try These Delicious Tomatillo Recipes for an Unforgettable Meal

1. The best homemade salsa verde

The creamy and succulent salsa verde is a make-ahead dish that you can prepare and store in the jar for later use! Enjoy sandwiches or salads every day to your heart's content.

2. Chicken chile verde

The refreshing taste of tomatillos, chives, and cilantro in this recipe with chicken creates a wonder in your taste buds. Such an exciting treat that will leave you craving more and more. Enjoy it with steamed rice on the sides. Shall we then?

3. Creamy Poblano chicken enchiladas

The creamy and luxurious Poblano chicken is a fantastic recipe that is flooded with the delights of tomatillos. Packed with flavors, this is an exciting recipe for you to relish this season. What an excellent idea for you to indulge in this season!

4. Slow cooker chicken chile verde

This dish is perfect when you are having a busy weeknight! Creamy and juicy, the chicken chile verde is ready instantly in a slow cooker without having to spend much of your time in the kitchen. Enjoy it with warm steamed rice.

5. Tomatillo ranch chicken

What an excellent creation for the summer! Delicious and luxurious, the smooth ranch seasoning tastes simply out of the world. If you are a fan of chicken then there is no better option than this one.

6. Fried tomatillo bites with chipotle remoulade

The fried tomatillos bite with chipotle remoulade is fantastic and an authentic southwestern version that you will hate to miss out on! The crispy fried tomatillos are super crunchy and perfect to enjoy with dips. Before we forget, it also has a smokey spicy edge!

7. Healthy and creamy tomatillos chicken

Creamy and enriching tomatillos chicken is a lovely creation that is even ideal for dieter-conscious enthusiasts. Brown rice and black beans are wholesome served with chicken and tomatillos! What an exciting idea for you to relish this season!

8. Shrimp and tomato corn chowder

Shrimp and tomato corn chowder is a wholesome and gooey recipe that is bestowed with wonderful flavors. If you are feeling hungry and do not have much time to cook on a busy night, this is a great one to keep your tummy satiated.

9. Roasted tomatillo chickpeas curry

The vegan roasted tomatillo chickpeas curry is an exciting option that you can make while you are on an all-vegan diet. Creamy and smooth, you can enjoy this dish with steamed rice on the sides.

10. Chicken enchiladas suizas

Homemade tomatillo Poblano enchiladas suizas are delightful, and such a wonderful idea for you to ravish. Baked with Mexican cheese, this is a wonderful idea for one to make as a lavish treat for dinner. What an excellent idea indeed!

11. Authentic roasted tomatillo salsa verde

You can definitely enhance the taste of the recipe with the aid of roasted tomatillos which creates magic in the taste buds. Delectable and creamy, you can enjoy the tomatillo salsa verde with tortillas on the sides. Shall we make it then?

12. White beans + tomatillos soup

All you need are forty minutes to create this smooth and luxurious white bean soup! Luxurious and creamy, you are definitely going to fall in love with this extraordinary recipe. Healthy and flavorful, do give it a try for sure.

13. Shrimp and tomatillo corn chowder

Packed with the flavors of avocado, and cilantro, there is everything you need to make this recipe luxurious and creamy for everyone. Lime and cilantro-rich chowder are utterly wonderful and you should give it a try! Such an exciting idea indeed!

14. Roasted tomato and tomatillo salsa

The unique combination of roasted tomato and tomatillo salsa is simply an extraordinary creation and you should give it a try! Enjoy the dish with tortilla and make it a complete meal! There are herbs as well infused in the dish!

15. Cucumber tomatillo Gazpacho

Refreshing and luxurious tomatillo Gazpacho is loaded with flavors and such an extraordinary recipe for you to relish! This icy-rich soup with green consistency is simply lovely! Infused with herbs, the soup is ready! Do give it a try for sure!

16. Creamy avocado salsa verde

The creamy and gooey avocado salsa verse is perfect for the season of fall! This is a refreshing recipe that keeps you content and full during lunchtime if you have a busy day and cannot make something very elaborate.

17. Spicy tomatillo ranch dressing

If you like something spicy and delicious then you must give a try to the wonderful tomatillo ranch dressing! This can literally go with anything you desire! Salads, sandwiches, and so on, the ideas are simply endless. Make it in a big jar and enjoy it as much as you want!

18. Tomatillo pico de gallo

The finely chopped tomatillos, onions, and cucumber packed in cilantro and lime carry a distinguished sense of flavor. A dash of pepper and dressing is all that you need to make a great starter to the meal!

19. Quick homemade salsa verde

Making salsa verde at home is no longer a big deal with the quick homemade recipe that we have got for you right here. Creamy and smooth, this green treat is perfect to savor this summer.

20. Chicken verde

The wonderful recipe the chicken Verde is indeed what you need to keep yourself satiated and full! If you are craving meat for a while then there is no better option than this one right here! Are you ready for it?

Frequently asked questions associated with making tomatillo recipes

1. Can you eat tomatillos raw?

There is some unproven discussion that raw tomatillos are toxic and should not be consumed! However, that is a fact that is still under observation. One thing is however sure, that the tomatillos are extremely sour and bitter when they are raw making it impossible for you to consume them raw until ripened.

2. Do you need to peel the skin of tomatillos?

The leafy surface of the skin can which is called the paper husk needs to be removed first before you get the tomatillos inside it! The waxy layer also needs to be washed away!

3. Why do you need to boil tomatillos?

Tomatillos can be boiled if you wish to avoid the flavor of tartness in the recipe. This makes the tomatillos sweet enough for you to consume with a proper salsa or salad.

4. Which is better, roasting or boiling tomatillos?

Both methods are merely subject to preference as you make the tomatillos but more commonly boiling is preferred over roasting! Although we can not deny that roasting is a wonderful technique as well.

5. Why should you wash tomatillos before cooking?

Tomatillos must be washed before cooking because there is a waxy layer on the surface of the tomatillos that needs to be removed first. You can use lukewarm water to establish the purpose.

6. What exactly do tomatillos taste like?

Tomatillos have a combined flavor of sweet, savory, and sour! This makes them a favorable berry to be added to the salsa verde.

Bottom Line- Now that you are aware of so many amazing dishes that one can make with tomatillos, this is an extraordinary creation for you to relish this season! So are you ready to indulge in its glory?