Tomatillos What are They and an Bonus Recipe

The tomatillo is a small spherical husked tomato. Normally green in color but may be green and purple. This plant originated in Mexico and were used prior to Columbus sailing to the Americas. In fact scientist have dated a fossilized tomatillo found in the Argentina area to 52 million years BP. 

Tomatillos can be eaten raw or cooked in a grand variety of dishes. The Mayans and Aztecs would use the tomatillo in a great variety of ways. Tomatillo's offer a green color and tart flavor due to their high pectin content. 

Storing tomatillos is easy as well. Simply refrigerate the entire ripe tomatillo for about 2 weeks. Removing their husks and placing the tomatillo in a sealed plastic bag will prolong their lives even longer. In addition, you can freeze the entire or sliced tomatillo. 

The tomatillo is a great food source and can be harvested at different stages of development to gather in that sour taste. Picked early the fruit is sour with light flavor. Later in season the fruit is  seedier more like a tomato. Drying the fruit offers a sweetened enhancement that similar to dried cranberries. The tomatillo is commonly used in stews, soups, salads, stirfries, baked, cooked with meat, marmalades and even desserts.

Chicken Tomatillo Salad

DRESSING

• 1 cup husked and quartered tomatillos
• 3 tablespoons light Italian dressing
• 1 fresh Anaheim chili, seeded and chopped
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

SALAD

• 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken or turkey
• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 4 green onions, sliced
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

In a blender or food processor container, purée tomatillos with dressing, Anaheim chili, and ground black pepper; set aside.
Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl and toss.
Drizzle dressing over salad and toss well to coat.
Cover and chill for 20 minutes or make a day ahead to allow flavors to blend.
Serve on lettuce-lined plates or bowls.

Makes 6 servings - 1 cup per serving.

recipe source

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