If youre a fan of Mexican and Central American cuisines, youre probably already quite familiar with the tomatillo. A staple ingredient in salsa verde, these unique husk-covered fruits are used in many Latin dishes. They also make appearances in Indian dishes. But other than that, tomatillos arent too widely used across the globe. However, they are worth getting to know, as tomatillos are versatile ingredients that can be utilized in various recipes and cuisines.
In addition to adding vibrancy to dishes, tomatillos are also nutritious. Theyre low-calorie and low-fat fruits that provide plenty of important vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a great addition to just about any diet (via WebMD). If youre wondering how to incorporate tomatillos into your cooking, weve got you covered. From exactly what they are and what they taste like, to how to shop for and prepare them, and even a few recipes to get you started, keep this guide handy if you want to start bringing more tomatillos into your life.
Are Tomatillos Spicy? Compared to tomatoes, tomatillos have a relatively more acidic taste. This makes them a brighter and sharper flavor, having a subtle undertone of sweetness only. The fruit itself is not very spicy but it is frequently used to make extremely hot sauces and purees.
Shopping for and storing them is easy
When shopping for tomatillos, there are a few visual and tactile clues that can help you select the best ones. If youre planning to use them right away, you want to make sure the fruits you select are properly ripened, but not too old. Take a look at the papery husk: you want it to be green, and it should fit fairly tightly over the fruit underneath. A few tears in the husk are a good sign that the tomatillo is ripe, but the covering should still be more or less intact. It should also feel soft, not dried out or crumbly. The fruit underneath should be solid — without cracks or holes — and firm to the touch. Theres usually a sticky, sap-like substance between the husk and the fruit; this is totally normal and not a sign of a bad tomatillo.
Once you get your tomatillos home, you can leave the husks on if youre not planning to cook them immediately. The fruits are kept best in a paper bag, either out at room temperature if youre using them in a day or two, or in the refrigerator if you want to store them for a few weeks. Tomatillos can be frozen, too. Simply take off the husk, wash and dry the tomatillos exterior, and then freeze them puréed, chopped, or left whole. Use frozen tomatillos within a year for the best results.
Tomatillos work great in soups and stews
Whether youre making a long-simmering pot of hearty stew, or whipping up a bowl of soup for a quick lunch, tomatillos are there for you. Its hard to imagine an ingredient better suited for soups and stews — no matter what style youre preparing. Used raw or lightly blanched, tomatillos can be puréed or juiced to add their distinctive acidic tang. Roasted, grilled, or simply stewed along with other ingredients, cooked tomatillos give soups and stews another layer of bright flavor.
While classic gazpacho is made with tomatoes, you can make a cool and refreshing green variation using tomatillos instead. The result will be lighter and brighter than your typical red gazpacho. Other fresh green ingredients like cucumber, celery, lime, green peppers, and bright herbs can all enhance the tomatillos vibrancy.
To showcase the rich, comforting side of tomatillos, pozole verde is the way to go. This traditional Mexican stew typically includes long-cooked tender pieces of pork or chicken along with hominy, swimming in a base made from tomatillos, chiles, and stock, and served with a selection of garnishes.
Salsa Verde Secrets: The 3 Most Popular & Delicious Recipes (Jalapeño, Tomatillo + Guacamole)
FAQ
Are tomatillos hot or Spicey?
What do tomatillos taste like?
Is green or red tomatillo spicy?
Is tomatillo a tomato or a pepper?
Are tomatillos spicy?
However, they are most commonly consumed green, which contributes to their acidic citrus-like flavor. Though they are often used in spicy salsas, tomatillos themselves are not spicy. Tomatillos belong to the nightshade family, which includes tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and potatoes, but they actually have more overlap with cape gooseberries.
What does tomatillo taste like?
When enjoyed raw, tomatillo’s tart flavor is striking. They’re best used in tomatillo salsa, or blended with spicy peppers (also known as salsa verde ). They can also be chopped finely and added to salads or as a garnish for rich meat dishes in place of lemon juice. When cooked, tomatillo’s flavor mellows and sweetens.
Why do tomatillos have a tangy flavor?
The boiling process keeps the acidity fairly intact, and this is often the method used for making salsa verde, a tangy sauce. However, when tomatillos are roasted or broiled, their tart zippiness becomes a bit subdued and fruity, with juicy sweeter notes.
Do tomatillos taste good when cooked?
When cooked, tomatillo’s flavor mellows and sweetens. We love roasting tomatillos in the oven, sticking them under the broiler or popping them on the grill before making salsa to deepen and enrich the dish. You can also use tomatillos to make soup like pozole verde or chicken tomatillo soup.