Tomatillos are an often overlooked and underused ingredient, but they can add incredible flavor to your cooking! From traditional Mexican dishes like tomatillo salsa or enchilada sauce to new creations like tomatillo vegetable soup or chili-tomatillo rice bowls, these small green tomatoes have a unique tangy flavor that can take any dish from good to great. In this blog post, we’ll explore the How To Cook With Tomatillos for delicious results every time.
Contents
- 1 What Is A Tomatillo?
- 2 Benefits Of Eating Tomatillos
- 3 How To Choose Good Tomatillos?
- 4 How To Cook With Tomatillos?
- 5 5 Creative Recipes To Use Tomatillos
- 6 How Long Do Tomatillos Need To Be Cooked?
- 7 Simple Tips For Incorporating Tomatillos Into Everyday Meals
- 8 How To Store Tomatillos?
- 9 Conclusion: How To Cook With Tomatillos?
- 10 FAQ Cook Tomatillos
- 10.1 What is the best way to use tomatillos?
- 10.2 Is it OK to eat raw tomatillos?
- 10.3 Are tomatillos supposed to be cooked?
- 10.4 Is it better to roast or boil tomatillos?
- 10.5 Can you cook tomatillos like tomatoes?
- 10.6 Can you eat tomatillos like tomatoes?
- 10.7 Why do you boil tomatillos?
- 10.8 Do I need to rinse tomatillos?
- 10.9 What happens when you overcook tomatillos?
- 10.10 What happens if you don’t wash tomatillos?
What Is A Tomatillo?
Tomatillos are a type of small green tomato that is native to Mexico and Central America. They have a slightly tart flavor, similar to unripe tomatoes, with a slight hint of lemon or lime. Tomatillos are usually used in Mexican dishes like salsa verde and enchilada sauce, but they can also be cooked into soups, stews, and rice dishes.
Benefits Of Eating Tomatillos
In addition to their unique flavor, tomatillos are packed with vitamins and minerals. They are high in dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. Tomatillos also contain a good amount of antioxidants, which can help protect against inflammation and disease.
How To Choose Good Tomatillos?
When selecting tomatillos, look for ones that are bright green in color and firm to the touch. Avoid any that are soft or show signs of mold. For best results, buy organic if possible as non-organic tomatillos may be treated with synthetic pesticides.
How To Cook With Tomatillos?
How To Cook With Tomatillos? Once you’ve selected the perfect tomatillo, it’s time to get cooking! Tomatillos can be boiled, roasted, or pan-fried for a variety of uses. To boil them, simply place in a pot with water and bring to a low simmer. Boiling softens the tomatillos and makes them easier to use in sauces and soups. To roast them, place on a baking sheet with some oil and bake at 350°F. Roasted tomatillos can be used in dips, sauces, and as an accompaniment to other dishes. For pan-frying, heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the tomatillos. Fry until lightly browned, then add your favorite seasonings. Pan-fried tomatillos make a great side dish or topping for tacos, burritos, and more.
5 Creative Recipes To Use Tomatillos
Once you’ve mastered the basics of cooking with tomatillos recipes for a delicious meal:
Tomatillo Enchilada Sauce
This easy sauce is perfect for topping enchiladas, tacos, and burritos. Simply blend together boiled tomatillos, garlic cloves, onion, cumin seed, oregano, and salt.
Tomatillo Salsa
Blend together boiled tomatillos with jalapeños, onion, garlic, cumin, and fresh cilantro for a delicious salsa that is perfect for chips or as a topping for Mexican dishes.
Tomatillo Guacamole
Add some cooked tomatillos to your classic guacamole recipe for a unique flavor.
Tomatillo Veggie Soup
Simmer cooked tomatillos with carrots, celery, potatoes, and spices for a comforting veggie soup.
Chili-Tomatillo Rice Bowls
Cook some rice and add it to a bowl with cooked ground beef or turkey, roasted tomatillos, chili powder, and your favorite toppings.
With these recipes, you’ll be able to explore the unique flavor of tomatillos while creating delicious dishes for any meal. Now you know How To Cook With Tomatillos.
How Long Do Tomatillos Need To Be Cooked?
Tomatillos are best cooked until they are softened but still have some texture. Boiled tomatillos will take the least amount of time, about 5-10 minutes depending on size. Roasted and pan-fried tomatillos will take a bit longer, around 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned.
Simple Tips For Incorporating Tomatillos Into Everyday Meals
If you’re looking for an easy way to incorporate tomatillos into your everyday meals, here are some simple tips:
- Add roasted tomatillos to sandwiches or salads for a flavorful crunch.
- Use boiled tomatillos as a base for soups and sauces.
- Top tacos with pan-fried tomatillos for a quick and tasty side.
- Mix cooked tomatillos into scrambled eggs or omelettes for added flavor.
- Add roasted tomatillos to salsas and dips for an extra kick of flavor.
How To Store Tomatillos?
Tomatillos can be stored at room temperature for up to a week. You can also store them in the fridge, wrapped in plastic wrap or inside an airtight container, for up to three weeks. Read more at houseofsiamboston.com.
Conclusion: How To Cook With Tomatillos?
Tomatillos are a unique and flavorful ingredient that can add an extra dimension of flavor to your cooking. From enchiladas to tacos, tomatillos can be cooked in many different ways for delicious results every time. With these tips and recipes, you’ll be able to explore the flavor of tomatillos and create delicious dishes perfect for any meal. So, get cooking and enjoy the flavor of tomatillos. Follow this guide for how to cook with tomatillos and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
FAQ Cook Tomatillos
What is the best way to use tomatillos?
Discover the ultimate method for unlocking the full potential of tomatillos. Start by boiling them to perfection, then unlock a world of culinary possibilities. Elevate your dishes with the sensational flavors of enchilada sauce, salsa verde, or soups. Alternatively, indulge in the tantalizing delights of roasted or pan-fried tomatillos as a delectable side dish or the perfect taco and burrito topping.
Is it OK to eat raw tomatillos?
Discover the versatile tomatillo: enjoy it raw or cooked! I personally love cooking these tangy fruits to mellow their sour taste. Most supermarket tomatillos are imported from Mexico, but keep an eye out at your local farmers’ market from July to September.
Are tomatillos supposed to be cooked?
Discover the unforgettable taste of fresh tomatillos – tangy, vibrant, and boasting a hint of citrus. While commonly enjoyed cooked, these versatile gems can also shine in raw dishes.
Is it better to roast or boil tomatillos?
Experience a game-changing transformation with our roasting technique. Once you savor the incredible difference, it will become an essential part of your regular routine! By gently applying sustained heat, we sweeten up tomatillos, eliminating their tartness for a truly sensational taste.
Can you cook tomatillos like tomatoes?
Discover the secret to unlocking the irresistible, mouthwatering flavors of tomatillos. While some may enjoy them raw, true culinary connoisseurs know that cooking intensifies their mellow sweetness. Roasting or sautéing these green gems is the way to go, and don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with easy instructions for broiling, roasting, and sautéing. And guess what? The canned tomatillos you find in stores have already been roasted for your convenience. Get ready to elevate your dishes to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Can you eat tomatillos like tomatoes?
Discover the remarkable differences between tomatillos and tomatoes! Indulge in the sweetness of tomatoes or savor the tangy kick of tomatillos. Uncover the secret to enhancing their flavors by cooking. Join the ranks of true culinary connoisseurs.
Why do you boil tomatillos?
Enhance your favorite enchilada recipe with a fiery, earthy flavor! Chop up these tomatillos for a piquant green salsa or boil them to mellow their color and flavor. Don’t forget to roast them first for an extra kick in your sauce.
Do I need to rinse tomatillos?
Enhance the flavor of your dish by removing the inedible husks and rinsing the tomatillos to eliminate their sticky residue. Enjoy the convenience of eating tomatillos without the hassle of peeling or seeding them.
What happens when you overcook tomatillos?
Unlock the secret to perfect salsa – avoid the soapy taste! Discover the key to achieving a tangy, sweet and lemony green sauce by expertly charring tomatillos over a flame or broiler. Don’t let sticky residue or overcooking ruin your salsa experience. Take your taste buds to the next level with this simple trick.
What happens if you don’t wash tomatillos?
“Discover the Sticky Secret of Tomatillos: Peel off their outer layer and uncover a sticky sap. Don’t worry about washing it off right away, as it acts as a natural fridge protector. But when you’re ready to cook, a quick scrub with water is all it takes.”
Chef Joe has been cooking up Thai cuisine in the South End of Boston for over a decade. He is the owner and head chef of House of Siam, where he strives to use only the freshest, finest ingredients in all his dishes. Chef Joe’s food is flavorful and exciting, and it always satisfies his customers’ cravings for delicious Thai food.