Tomatillo Cooking Guide: From Prep to Perfect Dishes

Ah, tomatillos! Those little green gems, often mistaken for unripe tomatoes, hold a special place in my heart. They're not your average fruit, with a unique flavour that's a delightful mix of tart, tangy, and just a hint of citrus. I remember the first time I encountered tomatillos. It was at a tiny, unassuming Mexican restaurant in London, and I was completely captivated by the vibrant green salsa that adorned my tacos. I simply had to know what it was! Ever since, I've been hooked on incorporating tomatillos into my cooking, and today I want to share my love for them with you.

This guide is your ultimate companion for all things tomatillo, from finding the perfect ones at the market to creating delectable dishes that will leave you wanting more. So, grab your apron, your trusty chef's knife, and let's embark on a culinary adventure together!

(Part 1) Picking the Perfect Tomatillos

The journey begins with choosing the right tomatillos. Think of it like finding the perfect ingredient for your masterpiece. You want them bright green and firm, like a tiny, green emerald. Avoid any that are soft, have blemishes, or show signs of wrinkling. A little bit of husk, that papery covering, is normal, but make sure it's not too dry or torn, as this can indicate that they're not at their freshest.

The best place to find tomatillos? You can usually find them in the produce section of your local supermarket, but if you're lucky enough to be near a farmers' market, I highly recommend checking them out. The tomatillos there are often fresher and bursting with more vibrant flavour.

Storage Tips for Tomatillos:

Now, let's talk about keeping those tomatillos fresh and ready for your culinary creations. They'll last for a good week or two in the fridge if stored properly. Simply remove the husk and pop them into an airtight container.

Feeling adventurous? You can also freeze them for later use. Their texture might change a bit after freezing, but they'll still hold their flavour. For the best results, I recommend roasting them before freezing, as this makes them softer and easier to incorporate into your recipes.

(Part 2) Prepping Tomatillos for Cooking

Let's get our hands dirty, shall we? Before you can start cooking with tomatillos, they need a little prepping. This involves removing their husk, giving them a good rinse, and then deciding whether to roast, saute, or blend them for your specific recipe.

Those husks are sticky and can leave your hands feeling a bit messy, so I always wear gloves when prepping tomatillos. It's a simple trick that saves a lot of hand-washing later! Once the husk is off, give them a thorough rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or residue.

Roasting:

Roasting brings out a deeper, more complex flavour in tomatillos, and I often use this technique when making salsa verde. Simply toss them in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until they're soft and slightly charred. Let them cool slightly before peeling off their skins, if desired.

Sauteing:

For a quicker prep, try sauteing the tomatillos. Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat, add the tomatillos, and saute for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can add onions, garlic, or spices like cumin or chili powder to enhance the flavour.

Blending:

Once your tomatillos are prepped, you can blend them into a smooth sauce. This is a great base for salsas, soups, and dips. Simply blend them with water, broth, or other ingredients until smooth. Don't worry about the texture being totally smooth, some chunks can actually add to the flavour and texture.

(Part 3) Tomatillo Dishes: A Culinary Adventure

Now that we've covered the essential prep steps, let's dive into some delicious tomatillo recipes. These recipes will not only showcase the unique flavour of tomatillos, but they'll also inspire you to experiment in the kitchen. Get ready to discover new flavour combinations!

1. Salsa Verde: The Classic Choice

This vibrant green salsa is a must-have for any Mexican food enthusiast. It's incredibly easy to make and can be customized to your liking. I like to add a bit of jalape??o for a touch of heat, but feel free to use any kind of chilli you prefer. The key is to find the perfect balance of tangy and spicy.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 1 jalape??o pepper, stemmed and seeded (optional)
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Roast the tomatillos, jalape??o, and onion in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until they're slightly charred.
2. Let the roasted ingredients cool slightly. Then, transfer them to a blender, add the garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper, and blend until smooth.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Serve your homemade salsa verde with chips, tacos, enchiladas, or any dish that needs a burst of flavour. Trust me, it's a game-changer!

2. Tomatillo Soup: A Warm and Comforting Dish

Tomatillo soup is a comforting dish that's perfect for a chilly evening. I love the contrast between the tartness of the tomatillos and the creamy texture of the soup. It's a flavour explosion in every spoonful!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup cooked chicken or beans (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• Sour cream or crema fresca (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Roast the tomatillos in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until slightly charred.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Add the roasted tomatillos, vegetable broth, and cooked chicken or beans (if using) to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or transfer the soup to a regular blender and blend in batches.
6. Stir in the cilantro.
7. Serve hot, garnished with sour cream or crema fresca.

3. Tomatillo Enchiladas: A Mexican Delight

Tomatillo enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish that's both flavourful and satisfying. The combination of the tart tomatillo sauce, the creamy filling, and the gooey cheese is truly irresistible!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend)
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. Roast the tomatillos in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until slightly charred.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Add the roasted tomatillos and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth, or transfer the sauce to a regular blender and blend in batches.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Dip each tortilla in the tomatillo sauce, then fill with shredded chicken and a sprinkle of cheese. Roll up the tortillas and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
8. Pour any remaining sauce over the enchiladas. Top with the remaining cheese and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve immediately.

(Part 4) Tomatillo Inspiration: Beyond the Basics

Now, let's go beyond the traditional recipes and explore some exciting ways to incorporate tomatillos into your cooking. Get ready for some culinary adventures that will take your taste buds on a thrilling ride!

1. Tomatillo Guacamole: A Twist on the Classic

Guacamole is a classic Mexican dip, and adding tomatillos gives it a delightful tangy twist. It's an absolute crowd-pleaser, especially when served with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado, mashed
• 1/2 cup tomatillos, roasted and peeled
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the mashed avocado, roasted tomatillos, red onion, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Mash the ingredients together until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos.

2. Tomatillo Quesadillas: A Flavorful Snack

Quesadillas are a fantastically easy way to enjoy tomatillos. These cheesy, savoury snacks are perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend)
• 4 flour tortillas

Instructions:

1. Roast the tomatillos in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until slightly charred.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Add the roasted tomatillos to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Divide the shredded cheese among the tortillas. Top with the tomatillo mixture.
6. Fold the tortillas in half and cook in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown.
7. Serve immediately with your favourite toppings.

3. Tomatillo Salsa with a Spicy Twist: Elevate Your Dish

This salsa is packed with flavour and a bit of a kick. It’s a great way to add a vibrant touch to your dishes. I love to use it as a topping for tacos, burritos, or even as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 1 jalape??o pepper, stemmed and seeded (optional)
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh red chilli (optional)

Instructions:

1. Roast the tomatillos, jalape??o, and onion in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until slightly charred.
2. Let the roasted ingredients cool slightly. Then, transfer them to a blender, add the garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt, pepper, and red chilli, and blend until smooth.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

4. Tomatillo Tacos: A Taste of Mexico

Tomatillo tacos are a fantastic way to showcase the tangy flavour of tomatillos. The sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used with different protein options. I love using shredded chicken or pulled pork, but you can also experiment with fish, tofu, or vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken or your favourite protein
• 12 corn tortillas
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• Your favourite toppings (shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Roast the tomatillos in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until slightly charred.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Add the roasted tomatillos and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth, or transfer the sauce to a regular blender and blend in batches.
6. Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
7. Fill the tortillas with shredded chicken or your chosen protein, top with the tomatillo sauce, and garnish with cilantro and your favourite toppings.

(Part 5) Tomatillo Magic: Exploring the Versatility

Tomatillos are so much more than just salsa. They're incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes, adding a delightful tanginess to everything they touch. So, let's explore some less conventional ways to use these green gems.

1. Tomatillos in Salads: A Refreshing Twist

Think outside the box and use tomatillos to add a fresh, tart element to your salads. They pair beautifully with creamy cheeses, grilled chicken, and even fish. Try using them in a salad with grilled chicken, avocado, corn, and black beans. Drizzle with a lime vinaigrette for a touch of zing.

2. Tomatillos in Chutneys: A Spicy Accompaniment

Tomatillos can be the star ingredient in a delicious chutney. They add a vibrant tang that complements spicy curries and roasted meats. Try making a tomatillo chutney with green chillies, ginger, and garlic. It’s a flavour explosion!

3. Tomatillos in Burgers and Sandwiches: A Unique Flavour

Yes, you read that right! Tomatillos can add a unique twist to your favourite burger or sandwich. Try making a tomatillo relish to top your burger, or add a few slices of roasted tomatillo to a grilled chicken sandwich.

(Part 6) Tomatillo Storage: Keeping Those Green Gems Fresh

Now that you've learned all these amazing ways to use tomatillos, you’ll want to make sure you store them correctly so you can enjoy them for as long as possible. Here’s how to keep those green gems fresh and vibrant:

Storing Fresh Tomatillos:

• Refrigerate: Tomatillos will last for about a week or two in the refrigerator if stored correctly.
• Remove the husks: Before storing, remove the husks from the tomatillos.
• Use an airtight container: Store the tomatillos in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Don’t wash before storing: Don’t wash the tomatillos before storing them in the fridge, as this can make them spoil faster.

Freezing Tomatillos:

• Roast first: It’s best to roast the tomatillos before freezing them. This will make them softer and easier to use in recipes later on.
• Remove the skins: After roasting, peel off the skins of the tomatillos.
• Freeze in a freezer-safe bag: Place the roasted tomatillos in a freezer-safe bag and squeeze out as much air as possible.
• Label and date: Label the bag with the date and store it in the freezer.
• Use within 6 months: Tomatillos can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.

(Part 7) Tomatillo FAQs: All Your Questions Answered

Got questions? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are some frequently asked questions about tomatillos:

1. What do tomatillos taste like?

Tomatillos have a unique flavour that’s tart, tangy, and slightly citrusy. They’re not as sweet as tomatoes, and they have a slight greenness to their flavour. Think of it as a citrusy, tangy, green tomato, but with a less sweet profile.

2. Are tomatillos healthy?

Absolutely! Tomatillos are packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, and fibre. They’re also a good source of antioxidants, making them a healthy and delicious addition to your diet.

3. What can I use instead of tomatillos?

If you can’t find tomatillos, you can use a mixture of lime juice, green bell pepper, and a little bit of jalape??o to create a similar flavour. But honestly, tomatillos are pretty unique and add a distinct taste to dishes.

4. How can I tell if tomatillos are ripe?

Tomatillos are ripe when they’re bright green and firm to the touch. Avoid any that are soft, wrinkled, or have brown spots. They should feel like a small, green, firm ball.

5. Can you eat tomatillos raw?

While you can technically eat tomatillos raw, they’re usually much tastier when roasted or cooked. Roasting brings out their sweetness and flavour, creating a more palatable and enjoyable experience.

(Part 8) Tomatillo Adventures: Get Creative in the Kitchen

Don't be afraid to experiment and get creative with tomatillos! Their unique flavour profile makes them a fantastic ingredient to play around with. Add them to dips, salsas, soups, stews, and even baked goods. You'll be surprised at how versatile they are. So, let your culinary creativity shine, and enjoy the delightful world of tomatillo cooking!