Tomatillo Recipes: The Ultimate Guide to Cooking with Tomatillos

Let’s talk tomatillos! These little green guys, sometimes called husk tomatoes or Mexican green tomatoes, are a bit of a mystery to many home cooks. They look like tiny green tomatoes, but their flavor is completely different: tangy, citrusy, and incredibly unique. You'll usually find them nestled among the limes and cilantro in the produce section. Don't let their unassuming appearance fool you – tomatillos are the key to a world of delicious dishes.

I've been using tomatillos for years, and I have to admit, they're one of my absolute favorite ingredients. Their distinct flavor adds a punch to salsas, soups, and sauces, and they're a star ingredient in many traditional Mexican dishes. I've spent years experimenting with different recipes, from the classic salsa verde to more unique creations, and I'm excited to share all I've learned with you.

This guide is your comprehensive resource for all things tomatillo. We'll cover everything from choosing the perfect tomatillos to prepping them, and then dive deep into a treasure trove of recipes. So, grab a cozy blanket, brew a cuppa, and let's journey into the wonderful world of tomatillos together.

(Part 1) Getting to Know Tomatillos

First things first, let's get acquainted with these little green gems. Tomatillos are actually a fruit, a member of the nightshade family, just like tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers. You'll usually find them encased in a papery husk. Remember, that husk isn't part of the fruit – you'll want to peel it off before you cook.

Choosing the Right Tomatillos

The key to delicious tomatillo recipes is using fresh, high-quality tomatillos. When you're picking them out, look for ones that are firm and bright green, like they've just been plucked from the vine. Avoid any that are soft, wrinkled, or have brown spots – those are signs they're past their prime.

Here's a little trick I learned from a market vendor years ago: If you're in a pinch and fresh tomatillos are hard to come by, canned tomatillos are a great alternative. They're already peeled and ready to go, making them perfect for a quick salsa verde or soup. Just make sure to give them a good rinse before using them.

Prepping Tomatillos

Prepping tomatillos is a breeze. You simply need to peel off the husk and rinse them under cold water. If you're using them for salsas or sauces, you'll want to roast them first to really bring out their rich, complex flavor.

Now, there's a common debate about removing the seeds. Some people find the seeds add an extra tang, while others prefer a milder flavor. I personally leave the seeds in for a bit of extra punch, but it's really up to your taste preference. Experiment and see what you like best!

Storing Tomatillos

If you've got more tomatillos than you can use right away, don't worry! They'll keep in the fridge for up to a week if stored properly. Just keep them in a sealed container or plastic bag to prevent them from drying out.

For longer storage, you can also freeze tomatillos. Simply rinse and dry them before freezing. They'll last in the freezer for up to 6 months, and you can use them straight from frozen without thawing. Talk about convenience!

(Part 2) Essential Tomatillo Recipes: Salsa Verde

Let's get started with the classic: salsa verde. This vibrant green sauce is a staple in Mexican cuisine, and it's absolutely delicious! It's perfect for topping tacos, enchiladas, and burritos, or using as a dipping sauce for chips.

Here's my go-to salsa verde recipe, which is both simple and incredibly tasty:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 1/2 white onion, quartered
• 2-3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1-2 jalape??os, stemmed and seeded (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).

2. Spread the tomatillos, onion, garlic, and jalape??os on a baking sheet. Roast for about 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatillos are soft and slightly browned.

3. Allow the roasted vegetables to cool slightly before transferring them to a blender.

4. Add the cilantro, lime juice, salt, and cumin (if using). Blend until smooth.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

And there you have it – a perfectly simple yet delicious salsa verde. It's a versatile sauce that can be enjoyed in countless ways.

(Part 3) Tomatillo Soup: A Warm and Hearty Dish

Tomatillo soup is another classic that I simply adore. It's a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for a chilly evening. This soup has a delicious tangy flavor and a creamy texture, and it's a great way to use up leftover roasted tomatillos.

Here's a recipe that I adapted from my grandmother's cookbook, and it's become a family favorite:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Sour cream or crema fresca, for serving (optional)
• Tortilla chips, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Roast the tomatillos, onion, and garlic as described in the salsa verde recipe.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the roasted vegetables and sauté for a few minutes, or until fragrant.

3. Stir in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

4. Remove the soup from the heat and blend until smooth.

5. Stir in the cilantro.

6. Serve hot, topped with sour cream or crema fresca and tortilla chips if desired.

This soup is bursting with flavor and is surprisingly easy to make. I often make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge, perfect for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner.

(Part 4) Tomatillo Enchiladas: A Classic Mexican Delight

Tomatillo enchiladas are a true Mexican culinary treasure. I love the rich, tangy flavor of the tomatillo sauce that coats the soft corn tortillas filled with chicken or cheese. This dish is both comforting and satisfying, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends.

Here's my tried-and-true recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno, stemmed and seeded (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 (14.5 oz) can chicken broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (or use 1 cup shredded cheese)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

2. Roast the tomatillos, onion, garlic, and jalape??o as described in the salsa verde recipe.

3. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the roasted vegetables and sauté for a few minutes, or until fragrant.

4. Pour in the chicken broth, cumin, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

5. Remove the sauce from the heat and blend until smooth.

6. Dip each tortilla in the sauce, making sure they are well-coated.

7. Place each tortilla in a greased baking dish, filling with chicken or cheese.

8. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.

9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.

These enchiladas are a true crowd-pleaser, and you can always get creative with the fillings. I’ve tried them with pulled pork, black beans, and even sweet potato, and they always turn out delicious.

(Part 5) Tomatillo Tacos: A Taste of Mexico at Home

Tomatillo tacos are a simple and satisfying way to enjoy these green gems. You can use any type of protein you like, from seasoned ground beef to grilled fish.

For a quick weeknight dinner, I love using leftover roasted chicken or seasoned ground beef. Here’s a recipe for a classic tomatillo taco:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or use leftover cooked chicken)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Salsa verde (optional)
• Sour cream or crema fresca (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.

2. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.

3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and salt. Cook for a few minutes, or until fragrant.

4. Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.

5. Fill the tortillas with the meat mixture, and top with cilantro, cheese, salsa verde, and sour cream or crema fresca, if desired.

These tacos are a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked meats, and they’re always a hit with the whole family. They’re so easy to customize with your favourite toppings, making them perfect for a casual dinner.

(Part 6) Tomatillo Quesadillas: A Quick and Easy Snack

Tomatillo quesadillas are the perfect quick and easy snack. They’re great for a late-night munchie or a light lunch. You can fill them with cheese, chicken, or vegetables, or even go all out with a combination of fillings.

Here’s a simple recipe for cheese and tomatillo quesadillas:

Ingredients:

• 4 corn tortillas
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup salsa verde
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.

2. Place one tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle half the cheese on top, followed by a few spoonfuls of salsa verde and some cilantro.

3. Place another tortilla on top, and cook for a few minutes per side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown.

4. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

5. Cut the quesadillas in half and serve immediately.

I love these quesadillas because they’re so versatile. You can easily switch out the cheese, salsa, and fillings depending on your mood. And they’re perfect for a quick lunch or a late-night snack.

(Part 7) Beyond the Basics: Tomatillo Recipes with a Twist

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore some creative tomatillo recipes that will add a touch of excitement to your meals.

Tomatillo Chutney: A Sweet and Savoury Side

Tomatillo chutney is a delicious accompaniment to roasted meats, grilled fish, and curries. It's got a sweet and tangy flavor with a touch of spice.

Here's a simple recipe to try:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 1/2 cup white onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine the tomatillos, onion, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ginger, and salt.

2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the chutney has thickened.

3. Remove from heat and stir in the cilantro.

4. Let the chutney cool completely before serving.

Tomatillo chutney is a wonderful way to add a burst of flavour to your meals, and it's surprisingly easy to make.

Tomatillo and Avocado Salad: A Refreshing and Healthy Option

Tomatillo and avocado salad is a refreshing and healthy option that's perfect for a summer meal. It’s got a creamy texture from the avocado and a tangy flavor from the tomatillo dressing.

Here's a recipe for this delightful salad:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 cup mixed greens

Instructions:

1. Roast the tomatillos, onion, and garlic as described in the salsa verde recipe.

2. Once the vegetables have cooled, blend them with the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and cilantro until smooth.

3. Combine the avocado and greens in a bowl.

4. Pour the tomatillo dressing over the salad and toss to coat.

5. Serve immediately.

This salad is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it’s a wonderful way to enjoy fresh tomatillos. It's also a great way to add a healthy and delicious twist to your routine salads.

(Part 8) Tomatillo Tacos with a Twist: A Flavorful Adventure

Tomatillo tacos offer a world of creative possibilities. They're a blank canvas for all sorts of flavor combinations, perfect for adventurous cooks. Here's a recipe that combines the tangy sweetness of tomatillos with the earthy depth of mushrooms, and the vibrant heat of chipotle peppers.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 (4 oz) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 cup tomatillo salsa verde
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 12 corn tortillas
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
• Sour cream or crema fresca (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and tender.

2. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.

3. Stir in the chipotle peppers and adobo sauce, and cook for a few minutes, or until fragrant.

4. Stir in the tomatillo salsa verde and cilantro, and cook for another minute.

5. Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.

6. Fill the tortillas with the mushroom mixture, and top with cheese, sour cream, or crema fresca, if desired.

These tacos are a flavor explosion, combining the smoky heat of chipotles with the tangy sweetness of tomatillos, and the earthy richness of mushrooms. It's a recipe that's sure to impress your tastebuds and leave you wanting more.

(Part 9) Tomatillo Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to make your tomatillo cooking experience even better:

• Roasting is key: Roasting brings out the best flavor in tomatillos. It gives them a smoky and slightly sweet flavor that’s perfect for salsas and sauces.
• Adjust the spice level: If you’re not a fan of spice, you can remove the seeds from jalape??os before roasting them. For those who prefer a kick, add more jalape??os to your recipes.
• Get creative with toppings: Tomatillo dishes are a blank canvas for toppings. Add your favourite cheeses, sour cream, crema fresca, cilantro, onions, and even a squeeze of lime.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different recipes and experiment with your own variations. Tomatillos are a versatile ingredient, and you can use them to create a wide range of delicious dishes.
• A Little Sweetness Goes a Long Way: Tomatillos can be a little tart, so adding a touch of sweetness to recipes can really enhance their flavor. A pinch of brown sugar or a drizzle of honey can do wonders.
• Tomatillo Salsa Verde is Your New Best Friend: This vibrant green sauce can be used in so many ways. Try topping your eggs in the morning, or adding it to soups, stews, or even dips.

(Part 10) FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about tomatillos:

Q: Can I use canned tomatillos instead of fresh ones?

A: Absolutely! Canned tomatillos are a great option for a quick and easy salsa verde or soup. They’re already peeled and ready to go, so they’re perfect for a busy weeknight. Just make sure to rinse them well before using them.

Q: How do I store tomatillos?

A: You can store fresh tomatillos in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed container or plastic bag. You can also freeze them for up to 6 months. Just rinse and dry them before freezing.

Q: What are some other ways to use tomatillos?

A: Tomatillos are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes. You can add them to salsas, soups, sauces, tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, salads, chutneys, and even dips.

Q: Are tomatillos acidic?

A: Yes, tomatillos are acidic. This is why they’re often used in recipes that require a tangy flavor, such as salsas and sauces. The acidity also helps to balance the sweetness of other ingredients.

Q: Where can I find tomatillos?

A: Tomatillos are usually found in the produce section of most grocery stores, often near the limes and cilantro. You might also find them at Mexican markets.

I hope this guide has inspired you to explore the wonderful world of tomatillos. They’re a delicious and versatile ingredient that can add a unique flavour to your meals. So go ahead, give them a try, and see what culinary magic you can create!