Green tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that can add a unique flavor to many dishes. These unripe tomatoes have a firm texture and tart taste that makes them perfect for cooking.

You can use green tomatoes in a variety of ways, from classic Southern recipes to creative new dishes.

Green tomato recipes offer a tasty way to use up unripe tomatoes at the end of the growing season. Instead of letting them go to waste, try frying, pickling, or cooking them in stews and sauces. With so many options, you’re sure to find a green tomato recipe you’ll love.

1. Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a tasty Southern treat. You can make them easily at home with a few simple ingredients.

Start by slicing green tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds.

Dip each slice in flour, then buttermilk, and finally cornmeal mixed with spices.

Fry the coated tomato slices in hot oil until golden brown on both sides. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side.

Serve your fried green tomatoes hot as a side dish or appetizer. They’re crispy on the outside and tangy on the inside. Try them with a dipping sauce like ranch or remoulade for extra flavor.

2. Green Tomato Relish

Green tomato relish is a tasty way to use unripe tomatoes. You can make it with just a few ingredients.

Chop green tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers.

Mix them with vinegar, sugar, and spices. Cook the mixture until it thickens. This usually takes about 30 minutes.

You can store the relish in jars. It stays fresh for a long time if canned properly. Use it on sandwiches or with cheese.

This relish is great for gifts too. The recipe often makes several jars. You can keep some and share the rest with friends and family.

3. Green Tomato Salsa

Green tomato salsa is a tasty way to use unripe tomatoes. It’s tangy and zesty, perfect for dipping chips or topping tacos.

To make it, chop green tomatoes and mix with onion, jalapeño, garlic, and lime juice. You can also add bell pepper for extra flavor and color.

For a roasted version, broil the veggies first. This adds a nice smoky taste. After cooking, blend everything to your desired consistency.

Serve your homemade green tomato salsa with Mexican dishes or as a dip. It’s a great way to enjoy those end-of-season green tomatoes.

4. Green Tomato Chutney

Green tomato chutney is a tasty way to use up unripe tomatoes. You can make it easily at home with just a few ingredients.

Mix green tomatoes, red onions, and spices with malt vinegar. Cook everything together until it becomes thick and saucy.

This chutney goes well with cheese, bread, and cured meats. You can store it in jars for up to a year.

To can the chutney, sterilize your jars and lids first. Fill the hot jars with warm chutney and seal them tightly.

You can enjoy your homemade green tomato chutney on sandwiches or as a side for many dishes.

5. Pickled Green Tomatoes

Pickled green tomatoes are a tasty way to use up unripe tomatoes at the end of the season. They’re tangy, crisp, and great in sandwiches or salads.

To make them, wash your jars and lids in hot, soapy water.

Cut the tomatoes into wedges and put them in jars with garlic and onions.

Make a brine by boiling vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Pour the hot brine over the tomatoes, leaving some space at the top.

Let the jars cool, then put them in the fridge. For the best flavor, wait at least 12-24 hours before eating. These pickles will keep in the fridge for several weeks.

6. Green Tomato Pie

Green tomato pie is a tasty way to use unripe tomatoes. It’s surprisingly sweet and similar to apple pie.

To make it, slice green tomatoes thinly. Mix them with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and a bit of vinegar or lemon juice.

Pour the filling into a pie crust. Top with another crust or a crumble topping. Bake until golden brown and bubbly.

You can add spices like nutmeg for extra flavor. Some recipes include raisins or nuts too. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a unique dessert.

7. Green Tomato Soup

Green tomato soup is a tasty way to use up unripe tomatoes. You can make it with just a few ingredients.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil. Add sliced green tomatoes and cook until they soften.

Pour in some vegetable broth and simmer the mixture. Season with herbs like thyme or sage.

Blend the soup until smooth. You can add a splash of cream for richness if you like.

This soup is tangy and fresh-tasting. It’s perfect for cooler days. Serve it hot with crusty bread or croutons on top.

8. Green Tomato Jam

Green tomato jam is a tasty way to use up unripe tomatoes at the end of the growing season. To make it, chop green tomatoes and mix them with sugar in a large pot.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes. Add lemon juice, orange zest, and spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.

Cook until the jam thickens. Pour into sterilized jars while hot, leaving a small space at the top.

This jam is great on toast or as a unique condiment for meats.

You can store green tomato jam in the fridge for several weeks. For longer storage, process the jars in a water bath.

9. Green Tomato Ketchup

Green tomato ketchup is a tasty way to use up unripe tomatoes. It’s tangy and sweet, with a unique flavor that’s different from regular ketchup.

To make it, you’ll need green tomatoes, onions, vinegar, and sugar. Some recipes add spices like cinnamon or cloves for extra flavor.

Start by chopping the tomatoes and onions. Mix them with salt and let them sit overnight. This helps draw out excess water.

Rinse the mixture and cook it with vinegar, sugar, and spices. Simmer until it thickens to a ketchup-like consistency.

You can store green tomato ketchup in jars. It keeps well in the fridge for several months. Use it as a condiment for burgers, fries, or any dish that needs a zesty kick.

10. Grilled Green Tomatoes

Grilled green tomatoes are a tasty twist on the classic fried version. They’re healthier and bring out the tomatoes’ natural sweetness.

To make them, slice green tomatoes about 1/2 inch thick.

Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Grill the slices for 3-4 minutes per side until they have nice grill marks and are slightly softened.

You can add extra flavor by sprinkling herbs or garlic salt before grilling.

Serve grilled green tomatoes as a side dish or use them in sandwiches and salads. They pair well with goat cheese or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

11. Green Tomato Pasta Sauce

Green tomato pasta sauce is a tasty way to use unripe tomatoes. You can make it by cooking green tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and herbs.

The sauce has a tangy flavor that goes well with pasta. To make it, chop green tomatoes and cook them until soft. Add seasonings like salt, pepper, and basil.

You can blend the cooked tomatoes for a smooth sauce or leave them chunky.

Toss the sauce with your favorite pasta shape. Top with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

This sauce is a great option when you have extra green tomatoes. It’s quick to make and brings a unique twist to pasta night.

Health Benefits of Green Tomatoes

Green tomatoes offer many health benefits. They are packed with nutrients and have powerful antioxidant properties that can boost your wellbeing.

Nutritional Profile

Green tomatoes are low in calories but high in nutrients. They contain vitamin C, which helps your immune system. You’ll also get vitamin A for eye health and potassium for heart function. Green tomatoes provide fiber to aid digestion. They have small amounts of B vitamins and minerals like iron and magnesium.

A medium green tomato has about:

• 30 calories
• 1.5 grams of protein
• 6 grams of carbs
• 2 grams of fiber

Green tomatoes also contain chlorophyll. This gives them their green color and may have health perks.

Antioxidant Properties

Green tomatoes are rich in antioxidants. These compounds fight harmful free radicals in your body.

The main antioxidants in green tomatoes are:

• Lycopene
• Beta-carotene
• Vitamin C

Lycopene may lower your risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Beta-carotene supports eye health. Vitamin C boosts your immune system and skin health.

Green tomatoes have higher levels of some antioxidants than ripe red tomatoes. This makes them a great addition to your diet. Eating green tomatoes raw or cooked can help you get these benefits.

Cooking Techniques for Green Tomatoes

Green tomatoes can be cooked in many tasty ways. Two popular methods are frying and pickling. These techniques bring out the best flavors of unripe tomatoes.

Frying Methods

Frying is a classic way to cook green tomatoes. Start by slicing them about 1/4 inch thick.

Dip the slices in beaten egg, then coat with a mix of cornmeal and flour. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated tomato slices for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

For a healthier option, try oven-frying. Coat the slices as above, then bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes per side. This gives a crispy texture with less oil.

Pickling Techniques

Pickling preserves green tomatoes and adds tangy flavor.

Slice tomatoes and pack them into clean jars.

Mix vinegar, water, salt, and sugar in a pot. Add spices like dill, garlic, or peppercorns for extra taste.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then pour it over the tomatoes in jars. Leave some space at the top.

Seal the jars and process in a water bath for 15 minutes.

For a quick pickle, mix sliced tomatoes with vinegar, salt, and herbs.

Let them sit in the fridge for a few hours.

These pickles will keep for about a week.