8 Yummy Recipes & Ideas For Green Tomatoes

How can I use green tomatoes from my garden? Whether you harvested them due to an impending frost or purely by preference to enjoy their tart flavor. I have the yummiest ideas for using unripe tomatoes to tantalize your taste buds with tangy goodness. My green tomato recipes mix culinary creativity and flavorful green tomatoes to create mouthwatering dishes.

In many regions of the US, especially in the South, green tomatoes are often used in cooking, including frying and pickling recipes. I am writing this long but very useful post to show more ways in which you can preserve and enjoy the yummiest green tomatoes year-round.

Types of Green Tomatoes

You need to know the different types of green tomatoes before using them in your cooking. Not all green tomatoes are unripe red tomatoes. Some heirloom varieties have a naturally green color even after they are fully ripe.

These recipes use unripe red tomatoes which have a sharp, sweet and sour taste and appear firmer than ripe tomatoes. Pick the tomatoes before they ripen so you can relish that tart flavor and crisp.

Health Benefits of Green Tomatoes

Yes! They do provide multiple health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C as well as minerals, such as iron and phosphorous, they not only satisfy your taste buds but also fulfill the body’s vitamin and mineral requirements.

8 Irresistible Green Tomato Recipes

Tomatoes, like their botanical cousins potatoes, offer diverse cooking options. I will help you create savory and delectable dishes from green tomatoes. Get ready to explore the versatility of these green crispy tomatoes with my easy-to-make yet irresistible recipes.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Popular for a reason! At the top of my list is this tempting and mouthwatering snack.

Southeren-style crisp, zesty, and extremely tasty fried green tomatoes are the perfect appetizer. You will find lots of fried green tomato recipes on the internet, but this recipe makes the tastiest fried green tomatoes in a few minutes. Follow each step for the crispiest non-soggy fried green tomatoes.

Ingredients

• 3 large green tomatoes
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup full cream milk
• 1 Cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup of cornmeal
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 tbs Kosher salt and
• 1/2 tbs ground black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

Directions

Cut the green tomatoes horizontally making thick slices of ideally half an inch. Add egg to the milk and whisk well. Place tomato slices on a paper towel and sprinkle some Kosher salt to reduce moisture.

To make scrumptious fried green tomatoes first dip the slices in all-purpose flour, coat the slice with beaten egg then dip in the bread crumbs before adding to the oil for frying.

Frying tips: For a golden brown perfect look pre-heat the oil to 350 degrees before frying green tomatoes. Do not fry all the slices at once, fry 3-4 at one time.

Place the fried tomatoes on a baking paper with a paper towel, this allows extra oil to drain and prevent sogginess. Serves 2-3 persons. You can have them with a ranch sauce or honey mustard sauce to enhance taste.

Is it possible to freeze fried green tomatoes?

Fried green tomatoes are not ideal for freezing for longer periods; however, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one to two days. You can reheat them in a skillet, an oven, or an air fryer with a little oil. If you wish to freeze green tomatoes for longer cut them into slices, batter them with egg wash, dredge them in flour-cornmeal, and freeze them (without frying).

Salsa Verde: Using Green Tomatoes Instead of Tomatillos

Looking at green tomatoes in the market or home garden and thinking what to cook with them? Well, green tomato salsa verde has qualified for a top position in the green tomato recipes list. This salsa verde recipe gives a tantalizing spin on the classic.

Tomatillos add tart and acidic flavors; can you imagine what salsa verde would taste like with tangy and slightly sweet green tomatoes? I’m sure the culinary adventurer is excited to give it a shot! Here’s your recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 green tomatoes
• 1 small white onion
• Jalapeno Pepper (Adjust as per taste)
• 3 Peeled garlic cloves

Instructions

Cut the onions into 4 chunky slices and the jalapeno peppers in half. Place all the vegetables onto a baking sheet and broil on high for about 5 minutes, change sides until brown and tender.

Put the roasted veggies in a blender or food processor. Add a little lime juice, salt and cilantro on the top and pulse until you see the desired salsa texture. If you wish to make it more spicy just increase the jalapeno pepper and its seeds.

Serve your unique salsa verde with tacos, tortilla chips and baked fish or add it to enchiladas. If you wish to make bigger pints of green tomato salsa verde increase all the ingredients following this recipe. Super tasty, have fun eating!

Pickled Green Tomatoes

I found pickling the preferred preserving method in several green cherry tomato recipes. Pickle them and enjoy crunchy pickled green tomatoes throughout the year!

At the end of the growing season, just before the first frost, harvest the last of those unripe tomatoes and green cherry tomatoes and make a batch of Pickled Green Tomatoes. My pickled green tomatoes recipe will add more flavor to your pantry and a zesty taste to multiple meals.

Firm in shape, green tomatoes hold up well to pickling and maintain a nice crunchy texture. I made a pickle with cherry green tomatoes, but this recipe also works well with larger size tomatoes.

Ingredients for Pickled Green Tomatoes

• Green cherry tomatoes (amount as desired, enough to fill your jars)
• Larger green tomatoes, cut into bite-size slices (if using)
• 3 and 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 cup kosher or pickling salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 and 1/2 cups vinegar (type not specified, but apple cider or white vinegar are common choices)
• Dill (optional, to taste)
• Ginger (optional, to taste)
• Garlic cloves (optional, for added flavor)
• Onion slices (optional, for added flavor)
• Additional spices (optional, such as peppercorns, mustard seeds, etc.)

Note: The quantities of tomatoes, garlic, onion, and additional spices can be adjusted based on the number of jars you plan to fill and personal taste preference.

Prepare the Pickling Brine

Add 3 and 1/2 cups water in a saucepan with 1/4 cup kosher or pickling salt. Mix in it 2 Tbsp. sugar, 3 1/2 cup vinegar. Bring the mixture to boil and simmer for 2-5 minutes.

Well done! You have prepared the perfect pickling brine ready to use in any pickled green tomato recipes.

Depending on Taste Preference: You can add dill and ginger while preparing the brine it will give a subtle fresh citrus-like taste. Or add other vegetables, like garlic cloves or onion slices, or spices directly into jars.

Cherry green tomatoes can be packed directly into hot jars. Cut the bigger tomatoes into bite-size slices before putting them in the jar. Sterilize all the jars in a water bath, to ensure there are no bacteria in the jar.

To make a spicy pickle you can put the following into each jar:

• 1-2 tsp pepper flakes
• 1 tsp black peppercorns

Have the pickle in sandwiches, salads, or straight from the jar for a tasty twist on a classic snack.

Green Tomato Chutney

Among the Green Tomato Recipes Indian-style cooked chutney is the most popular and widely loved savory. Additionally, it is one of the best methods for preserving green tomatoes for use in a variety of ways/with a variety of dishes later on.

A green tomato chutney differs in texture and flavor from green tomato salsa. In contrast to salsa, chutney recipes will include spices, aromatics, and dried fruits like raisins or dates. Follow my easy recipe to make chutney!

Ingredients for Green Tomato Chutney

• 2 pounds green tomatoes
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 1 ¼ cups brown sugar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• Chopped ginger (quantity not specified, adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon chile pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• Salt (quantity not specified, adjust to taste)
• Water (quantity not specified, enough to combine with the rest of the ingredients for boiling)

Instructions

For this recipe, you’ll need two pounds of green tomatoes, 1 chopped red onion, 1 ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, chopped ginger, and 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds, chile pepper flakes, fennels seeds and salt.

Combine all the ingredients in a thick-bottomed pot, add water and boil the mixture. Cover the pot and cook for 45-50 minutes.

I suggest you taste and adjust the seasoning before you ladle the chutney into the jars. Fill the jars with the mixture up to 1/4 inch from the rim. Put on the lids of the jars and secure them with canning rings.

You can Relish the Rich Flavors of this Chutney Alongside:

• Pork chops
• Hot dogs
• Baked chicken
• Crab cakes and more.

Easy Green Tomato Soup

In this special recipe, I used green tomatoes to make a comforting and vibrant bowl of goodness. To make a delicious green tomato soup, it is important to balance the tartness of the green tomatoes with other complementary flavors and ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds green tomatoes, chopped
• Olive oil (quantity not specified, enough for sautéing)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• Minced garlic (quantity not specified, adjust to taste)
• Vegetable or chicken broth (quantity not specified, enough to cover the tomatoes for simmering)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
• Extra olive oil for drizzling (optional)

Cooking Directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the 900g chopped green tomatoes to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.

Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, then add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and oregano each. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are completely tender.

You can use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Last but not least, taste the soup and season it with salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.

Mix 1/2 cup of heavy cream in the soup to increase creaminess and richness. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Optionally, drizzle with a little extra olive oil before serving.

Green Tomato Relish

Among the most loved green tomato canning recipes is Green Tomato Relish. If you are not a fan of pickles use this delectable green tomato relish recipe to enhance the taste of bland meals.

Making green tomato relish is a fantastic way to preserve green tomatoes and enjoy their unique flavor throughout the year. Pickled green tomatoes and green tomato relish are not that different, but the main difference is the texture since relish tends to be spoonable rather than chunky.

There are quite a few similarities between the recipes in terms of ingredients. Green tomato relish typically combines diced green tomatoes with onions, peppers, vinegar, sugar, and spices to create a tangy and flavorful condiment.

Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Relish

• 12 large green tomatoes
• 6 onions
• 3 green bell peppers
• 3 red bell peppers
• Salt (for draining liquid from vegetables)
• 2 cups cider vinegar
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 tablespoons celery seeds
• 3 tablespoons mustard seeds

Note: This recipe combines a variety of vegetables with a sweet and tangy brine, making it perfect for adding flavor to salads, hot dogs, sandwiches, burgers, and grilled meals. The process includes chopping, draining, cooking, and canning to preserve the relish.

Cooking Instructions

Start by slicing 12 large green tomatoes, 6 onions, 3 green bell peppers, and 3 red bell peppers into wedges. Then, using a food processor, finely chop vegetables in batches. Sprinkle some salt on the mixture and divide it evenly between two strainers placed over bowls. Let them sit for about 3 hours to allow excess liquid to drain.

Discard the liquid from the bowls and transfer the drained vegetables to a stockpot. Stir in 2 cups cider vinegar, 2 cups sugar, 3tbs celery seeds, and mustard seeds each. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Pour the hot relish into jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top. Remove any air bubbles, wipe the rims clean, then place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they’re tightly secured.

Next, transfer the filled jars into a canner filled with simmering water, ensuring they’re completely submerged. Bring the water to a boil and process the jars for 15 minutes. Once done, carefully remove the jars and let them cool before storing them in the refrigerator.

Enjoy the sweet and sour relish in salads, hot dogs, sandwiches, burgers, and grilled meals.

Green Tomato Pie

Green tomato offers a delightful twist on a classic dessert! Yes, you read it right. These yummy, zesty veggies seem to have limitless versatility. Green tomatoes take center stage in a sweet and tangy green tomato pie that’s sure to surprise and delight your taste buds. If you are looking for something new and exciting, this recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients for Green Tomato Pie

• 4 cups green tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 pie crusts (for bottom and top of the pie)
• 1 tablespoon butter, diced
• Vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)

Cooking Instructions

In a bowl, combine the 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsp flour, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well. Pour this mixture over the 4 cups sliced green tomatoes and gently toss until the tomatoes are evenly coated.

Roll out one of the pie crusts and carefully place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Spoon the coated green tomatoes into the pie crust, spreading them out evenly. Dot the top of the tomatoes with 1 tbsp diced butter.

Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim any excess crust, leaving about a 1-inch overhang. Combine the edges of the crust to seal and shape as desired. Make a few holes in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). You can also preheat a baking sheet to get a crisp bottom crust, then place the assembled pie onto it.

Put it in the oven an bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Serve slices of green tomato pie warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Grilled Green Tomatoes

Grilling is considered one of the easy green tomato recipes – for all the right reasons! Grilling green tomatoes gives them a smoky flavor and slightly caramelizes the sugars in the tomato. Resulting in a savory and tangy taste with a subtle sweetness. By grilling tomatoes, you also soften their texture, while keeping some firmness.

Ingredients

• 2 large green tomatoes, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• Fresh herbs, such as thyme or basil, for garnish (optional)
• Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)

Cooking Directions

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C). Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. Place the tomato slices in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper, and add minced garlic, if using. Toss gently to coat the tomatoes evenly with the oil and seasonings.

Carefully place the seasoned tomato slices directly onto the preheated grill grates. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until grill marks form and the tomatoes are slightly softened. Use a spatula to flip the slices halfway through cooking.

These grilled green tomatoes are also delicious on their own as a tasty appetizer or snack. Or you can serve the grilled green tomatoes hot off the grill as a side dish alongside grilled meats, or add them into salads, sandwiches, or even tacos for a flavorful twist.

Conclusion

All the green tomato recipes mentioned above are easy to make at home. Whether you love fried green tomatoes or enjoy zesty pickled green tomatoes, my green tomato recipe list has it all.

Give yourself and your loved ones a flavorful treat this season. If you have a garden full of juicy tomatoes, harvest them green before the frost – follow canning green tomato recipes to preserve them for a longer time.

I would love to have your feedback, try these delicious recipes and share photos, reviews and remarks in the comment section. See you soon, until then have fun creating these tasty treats! Chao!