Tomatillos are a delightful ingredient that many people often overlook. Their crinkly husks wrap around bright green fruits that have a tart, almost citrus-like flavor. These traits make tomatillos perfect for many dishes. If you want to make a classic salsa verde, add flavor to a hearty stew, or try something new, this guide will help you get the most out of tomatillos. Let’s explore the many ways you can use this useful ingredient in your cooking.
Understanding Tomatillos
What Are Tomatillos?
Tomatillos, sometimes called Mexican husk tomatoes, are a key part of Mexican cooking. Though often confused with green tomatoes, they are a different plant entirely with a distinct flavor. Their tangy taste adds brightness to many dishes. These fruits are available all year, but they taste best during the summer months.
The papery husk around tomatillos must be removed before cooking. Once peeled, the fruit has a bright green color and a sticky surface that needs washing. This sticky layer is normal and harmless. You can eat them raw, cooked, or blended, depending on the flavor you want. Their fruity and acidic taste helps balance rich flavors in a dish, which is why they are so popular in Mexican cooking.
To get the best out of these fruits, it’s important to prepare them correctly. Start by removing the husk and rinsing the fruit thoroughly—it usually has a sticky coating. Once cleaned, you can use them raw, roasted, or boiled, depending on the recipe.
How to Choose and Store Tomatillos
When picking tomatillos, choose firm fruits with intact husks. The husk should feel papery and dry, and the fruit inside should be bright green and firm. If the husk is shriveled or the fruit feels too soft, it may be overripe.
To store them, keep them in their husks and put them in a paper bag in the fridge. Stored this way, they can last for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them after taking off the husks. Freezing these fruits is a great way to preserve them, especially if you have a large batch. Just remove the husks, wash them, and freeze them in an airtight container.
If you want to grow tomatillos at home, you can refer to this Tomatillo Growing Guide.
Preparing Tomatillos for Cooking
Tomatillos can be prepared in different ways, depending on what dish you’re making. Here are the most common preparation methods:
- Roasting: Roasting tomatillos brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor, perfect for salsas and sauces. Place the husked tomatillos on a baking sheet and roast them at 400°F until they start to char. Roasting caramelizes the sugars and reduces the tartness, resulting in a richer flavor.
- Boiling: Boiling tomatillos is a simple way to soften them for blending into sauces. Drop the cleaned tomatillos into boiling water and cook until they turn a dull green. Boiled tomatillos work well for soups or stews, where their acidity boosts the overall flavor.
- Using Raw Tomatillos: Raw tomatillos have a crisp, tart flavor that adds a fresh element to salads and salsas. Just chop them up and mix with your favorite ingredients. Their crunchy texture and bright acidity can give an exciting twist to many dishes, from salads to dips.
If you’re new to cooking with tomatillos, classic recipes like salsa verde are a great place to start. You can find more information about it here: Salsa Verde Recipe.
Classic Tomatillo Recipes
Salsa Verde
One of the most common uses of tomatillos is salsa verde, a tangy, spicy sauce used as a dip, topping, or ingredient in other dishes. Making salsa verde is easy—all you need are tomatillos, garlic, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño peppers.
- Ingredients:
- 6-8 tomatillos, husked and washed
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 jalapeño, seeded
- Fresh cilantro
- Salt to taste
- Instructions:
- Roast the tomatillos until they are charred.
- Blend them with garlic, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Season with salt.
Salsa verde goes perfectly with tacos, enchiladas, or tortilla chips. It’s also a useful base for other dishes, such as baked chicken or roasted vegetables.
If you’re curious about the difference between salsa verde and tomatillos themselves, check out this comparison: What’s the Difference Between Salsa Verde and Tomatillo.
Tomatillo Avocado Salsa
For a creamier version of the traditional salsa, try tomatillo avocado salsa. This version mixes roasted tomatillos with ripe avocado for a smooth, creamy dip that works well with burritos or as a topping for grilled meats. The avocado adds richness while the tomatillo keeps the flavor bright.
- Ingredients:
- 4 tomatillos, roasted
- 1 ripe avocado
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper
This salsa works great as a dip for chips, a spread for sandwiches, or a topping for tacos, providing a creamy texture with a burst of flavor that enhances any dish.
Roasted Tomatillo and Tomato Salsa
Combining tomatoes and tomatillos gives you a unique flavor. Roast the tomatoes and tomatillos together, then blend them with garlic and onion for a salsa that’s sweeter and richer than the classic version.
- Serving Suggestion: Use this salsa on breakfast tacos or to add depth to grilled chicken dishes. It also makes a great dip for tortilla chips or a tasty topping for scrambled eggs.
Sauces and Stews with Tomatillos
Green Enchilada Sauce
Another common use for tomatillos is in green enchilada sauce. Roasting tomatillos with poblano and serrano peppers makes a bright, flavorful sauce perfect for enchiladas. This sauce also works well for chilaquiles or as a base for other Mexican dishes.
- How to Make It:
- Roast tomatillos with garlic and peppers.
- Blend them until smooth, then cook with chicken broth and spices.
- Use this sauce to fill enchiladas with shredded chicken or cheese.
Green enchilada sauce is versatile and can also be used in casseroles, as a topping for baked potatoes, or even as a pasta sauce.
Tomatillo Chipotle Salsa
For a smoky twist, combine tomatillos with chipotles in adobo to make a spicy tomatillo chipotle salsa. This salsa goes well with grilled meats or as a topping for tacos. The tangy tomatillos mixed with the smoky chipotles create a balanced flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Use this salsa to top grilled shrimp, roasted vegetables, or scrambled eggs. The chipotle heat balances well with the tomatillos’ acidity, adding depth to any dish.
Main Dishes Featuring Tomatillos
For a different twist, you could try making a Tomatillo Pasta Recipe that uses the tangy flavor of tomatillos in a creamy pasta sauce. Learn how to prepare it here.
Pozole Verde
Pozole Verde is a traditional Mexican stew that uses tomatillos as the broth’s base, giving it a bright and tangy flavor. To make pozole verde, you need tomatillos, chicken, hominy, and poblano peppers.
- Ingredients:
- 10 tomatillos, husked
- 2 poblano peppers
- 1 pound chicken thighs
- 1 can hominy, drained
- Fresh cilantro and lime for garnish
- Cooking Instructions:
- Roast tomatillos and peppers until charred.
- Blend them with garlic and onion to form a sauce.
- Cook the chicken in the sauce, then add hominy.
This dish is usually topped with fresh cilantro, chopped onions, and lime juice. It’s a comforting meal perfect for cold weather and often served with tostadas or warm tortillas.
Green Shakshuka with Tomatillos
Shakshuka is a traditional North African and Middle Eastern dish where eggs are cooked in a spicy tomato sauce. This green version, made with tomatillos, adds a tangy twist to the classic recipe. Tomatillos, green chilies, and fresh herbs create a rich base for poached eggs.
For a hearty breakfast, try pairing the tomatillo-based green shakshuka with this Breakfast Skillet with Roasted Potatoes and Eggs. Get the recipe here.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve this dish for breakfast or dinner with warm pita or crusty bread. The tangy tomatillos add freshness, while the poached eggs give a creamy texture.
Vegetarian Dishes with Tomatillos
Black Bean and Roasted Tomatillo Soup
Tomatillos are great in vegetarian dishes, such as this hearty black bean and roasted tomatillo soup. Roasting tomatillos brings out their sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the earthy black beans and spices.
- Ingredients:
- 6 tomatillos, roasted
- 2 cans black beans, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- Vegetable broth
- Instructions:
- Sauté the onion and jalapeño.
- Add the roasted tomatillos and black beans, then pour in the broth.
- Simmer until the flavors blend.
Serve this soup with a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a lime wedge. It’s a filling vegetarian meal that’s high in protein and flavor. To make it vegan, simply skip the sour cream.
Butternut Squash and Mushroom Enchiladas with Tomatillo Sauce
These vegetarian enchiladas use roasted butternut squash and mushrooms as a filling, topped with a tangy tomatillo sauce. The sauce contrasts well with the sweetness of the squash and the earthiness of the mushrooms.
- How to Make It: Roast the vegetables, fill the tortillas, and top with the tomatillo sauce. Bake until bubbly and serve with fresh cilantro.
These enchiladas are hearty enough for a main course and can be served with rice and beans for a full meal. They are also a great make-ahead dish, as they can be prepared in advance and baked when needed.
Appetizers and Snacks
Fried Tomatillos
If you love fried green tomatoes, you’ll enjoy fried tomatillos. Their natural tartness contrasts well with a crispy coating, making them a great appetizer or snack.
- Instructions: Slice the tomatillos, dip them in seasoned flour, then fry until golden brown.
Serve these fried tomatillos with a dipping sauce, such as garlic aioli or spicy ranch. They make a great starter for any meal or a fun snack to share with friends.
Watermelon, Tomatillo, and Mozzarella Skewers
For something a little different, try making skewers with tomatillo, watermelon, and mozzarella. The sweetness of the watermelon balances the tangy tomatillo, while mozzarella adds creaminess, making these skewers a great appetizer for summer gatherings.
- Serving Suggestion: Drizzle with lime-honey vinaigrette before serving.
These skewers are refreshing and colorful, making them perfect for a summer barbecue or picnic. The mix of flavors and textures—sweet, tart, and creamy—makes for a delicious and visually appealing dish.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tomatillos
Can You Eat Tomatillos Raw?
Yes, tomatillos can be eaten raw. They have a crisp texture and a tangy, slightly acidic flavor that works well in fresh salsas and salads. Raw tomatillos add a refreshing bite to dishes that need a bit of brightness.
What Do Tomatillos Taste Like?
Tomatillos have a flavor that’s both tart and slightly sweet. When roasted, they take on a smoky quality that enhances their flavor, making them a great base for many dishes. Their acidity makes them ideal for balancing rich ingredients like avocados or meats.
How Do You Store Fresh Tomatillos?
Tomatillos should be stored in their husks in a paper bag in the fridge. They will last for up to two weeks this way. If you need to store them longer, you can remove the husks and freeze them. Freezing helps retain their bright flavor, and frozen tomatillos can be used straight from the freezer in most recipes.
Are Tomatillos Toxic?
The husk of the tomatillo is not edible and should always be removed. The fruit itself, however, is perfectly safe to eat when prepared properly. The leaves and stems should also be discarded, as they are not meant for eating.
What Dishes Can Tomatillos Be Used In?
Tomatillos are very versatile. They can be used in salsas, soups, stews, sauces, and even as a part of appetizers or breakfast dishes. From classic Mexican dishes to creative fusion recipes, tomatillos bring a bright, tangy element to almost anything.
Conclusion
Tomatillos are a versatile ingredient that can enhance many dishes. Whether you’re making a classic salsa verde, a hearty pozole verde, or trying green shakshuka, these tart little fruits bring brightness and depth to your cooking. Now that you know how to prepare and use tomatillos, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen. They can be the main ingredient or a supporting part that boosts the flavors of other ingredients.
The next time you’re in the produce aisle, pick up some tomatillos and try a new recipe. Don’t forget to check out more Mexican cooking techniques for extra inspiration.
Enjoy experimenting with tomatillos and discover the many delicious possibilities they offer!