As summer draws to a close, many gardeners are left with a bounty of unripe tomatoes that won’t make it to full maturity. But don’t let those green tomatoes go to waste! With a little creativity and some simple canning techniques, you can turn them into a world of tangy and delicious recipes. From spicy relishes to sweet chutneys, green tomato pickles to zesty salsas, there’s a plethora of ways to preserve the flavor of your unripe tomatoes.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 different green tomato canning recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and keep you experimenting in the kitchen all year round. From classic dill pickles to Indian-spiced achars, each recipe is carefully crafted to bring out the unique flavor of the green tomato.
Spicy Green Tomato Relish
This tangy and flavorful relish is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a topping for tacos. Made with green tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and spices, it’s a delicious way to add some heat to your meals.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chopped green tomatoes
– 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine green tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and garlic.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is tender and slightly caramelized (about 10-12 minutes).
3. Stir in apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let relish cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until it has thickened slightly.
5. Remove from heat and let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet and Sour Green Tomato Chutney
This sweet and sour chutney recipe is a unique twist on traditional tomato sauces, using green tomatoes to add a tangy flavor. Perfect for serving with grilled meats, naan bread, or as a dip.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs green tomatoes, chopped
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp ground coriander
– Salt, to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine chopped green tomatoes, sugar, apple cider vinegar, cumin, coriander, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the chutney thickens slightly.
3. Add water and continue to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the desired consistency is reached.
4. Remove from heat and let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Green Tomato Pickles with Garlic and Dill
Transform green tomatoes into a tangy and flavorful snack with this simple recipe. Perfect for using up unripe tomatoes, these pickles are great as a side dish or topping for sandwiches and burgers.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups green tomatoes, sliced
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried dill weed
– 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced green tomatoes and salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2. Rinse the tomato slices with cold water to remove excess salt. Drain well.
3. In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, garlic, and dill weed. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Pack the tomato slices into clean glass jars, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the tomatoes, making sure they are completely covered.
5. Seal the jars and let them cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (pickling liquid) + 30 minutes (steeping time)
Zesty Green Tomato Salsa
As summer’s warmth fades, green tomatoes take center stage, adding a tangy twist to your favorite dishes. This zesty salsa is the perfect way to preserve their flavor for a long time.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups chopped green tomatoes
– 1 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine green tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeño.
2. Stir in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and honey until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This salsa is a fresh condiment, ready to enjoy straight from the fridge.
Green Tomato Jam with Cinnamon and Cloves
This tangy jam combines the freshness of green tomatoes with the warmth of cinnamon and cloves, perfect for spreading on toast, using as a topping for yogurt or ice cream, or as a glaze for meats.
Ingredients:
– 3 lbs green tomatoes, chopped
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine chopped green tomatoes, sugar, water, vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
2. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the jam has thickened.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Green Tomato Ketchup
This recipe transforms green tomatoes into a tangy and sweet ketchup that’s perfect for topping burgers, sandwiches, or using as a condiment. With its unique flavor profile, this homemade ketchup is sure to elevate your dishes.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups green tomatoes, chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Combine chopped green tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a large saucepan.
2. Add apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ketchup has thickened.
4. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Let it cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Fermented Green Tomato Hot Sauce
This fermented green tomato hot sauce recipe adds a tangy, spicy kick to any dish. By combining the natural sweetness of green tomatoes with the heat from chili peppers and fermentation magic, you’ll create a unique condiment perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or scrambled eggs.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups green tomatoes (such as Roma or Green Zebra), chopped
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 1 tablespoon sea salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine chopped green tomatoes and water. Let it sit for 24 hours to allow the natural fermentation process to start.
2. After 24 hours, add Korean chili flakes, sea salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Stir well to combine.
3. Transfer the mixture to a clean glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Leave it at room temperature (around 68°F – 72°F) for 7-10 days, shaking the jar every day or two to help fermentation progress.
4. After 7-10 days, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into another container. Discard the solids and store the hot sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Cooking Time: None
Green Tomato Mincemeat for Pies
This sweet and tangy mincemeat is the perfect filling for your favorite pie crust, using up green tomatoes that are ripe for the picking. Made with a combination of chopped nuts, spices, and citrus, this mincemeat is a delicious twist on the traditional recipe.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups chopped green tomatoes
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1/4 cup brandy or apple cider (optional)
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine green tomatoes, brown sugar, chopped nuts, and spices.
2. Mix until well combined, then stir in brandy or apple cider (if using).
3. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow flavors to meld.
4. Use within 6 months. Cooking time: None, as this mincemeat is not cooked.
Bread and Butter Green Tomato Pickles
Green tomatoes take on a whole new flavor profile when pickled with the richness of butter and the tanginess of vinegar. This recipe is a perfect way to use up green tomatoes that are too ripe for eating fresh.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 green tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the softened butter, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Add the sliced green tomatoes to the bowl and toss until they are fully coated with the butter mixture.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 48 hours for the flavors to meld.
4. Before serving, give the pickles a good stir and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Cooking Time: None necessary – these pickles are best served chilled or at room temperature.
Spiced Green Tomato Preserves
A sweet and tangy preserve that showcases the unique flavor of green tomatoes, infused with warming spices.
Ingredients:
– 4 lbs green tomatoes, chopped
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. Combine chopped tomatoes, sugar, water, vinegar, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves in a large saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to a clean glass jar or container.
4. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Green Tomato Chow-Chow Relish
This sweet and tangy relish is a perfect way to use up green tomatoes that are too ripe for cooking. With its bold flavors and crunchy texture, it’s a great addition to sandwiches, tacos, or as a topping for grilled meats.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups green tomatoes, diced
– 1 cup onions, finely chopped
– 1 cup bell peppers, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine green tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, salt, and black pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the relish has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Green Tomato and Apple Butter
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of apples with the tanginess of green tomatoes to create a delicious and unique butter perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or using as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs green tomatoes, cored and chopped
– 1 large apple, peeled and chopped (such as Granny Smith)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped green tomatoes, apple, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened and reduced slightly.
3. Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and simmer over low heat for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Candied Green Tomato Slices
Add a touch of sweetness to your green tomatoes with this simple recipe. Perfect as a side dish or used as a topping for salads, sandwiches, or cheeses.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 green tomato slices (about 1/4 inch thick)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon white vinegar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, vinegar, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low.
2. Add the green tomato slices to the syrup. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the tomatoes are tender and the syrup has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let cool completely in the syrup.
4. Once cooled, use a slotted spoon to transfer the candied tomato slices to a wire rack set over parchment paper.
5. Let air dry for at least 30 minutes before serving or storing.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Green Tomato Marmalade with Orange Zest
This sweet and tangy marmalade is a perfect preserve for using up green tomatoes, with the added brightness of orange zest. Perfect as a topping for toast, yogurt, or using as a glaze for meats or cheeses.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups green tomatoes, chopped
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tablespoons grated orange zest
– 1 lemon, juiced (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine chopped green tomatoes, sugar, water, and orange juice.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened and reduced slightly.
3. Stir in grated orange zest and lemon juice (if using).
4. Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Green Tomato and Onion Jam
Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of summer with this vibrant jam, perfect for topping toast, using as a condiment, or as a base for sauces. This recipe showcases the beauty of green tomatoes, often overlooked in favor of their ripe counterparts.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups green tomatoes (any variety), chopped
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine green tomatoes, onion, sugar, vinegar, water, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the jam has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Indian-Spiced Green Tomato Achar
Experience the tangy and spicy flavors of India with this simple recipe for Green Tomato Achar, a popular condiment that pairs well with various dishes. This pickle is made with green tomatoes, aromatic spices, and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 green tomatoes, sliced
– 1/2 cup vinegar (apple cider or white wine)
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons mustard oil or vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: 1-2 dried red chilies, crushed or 1-2 teaspoons red chili flakes
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced tomatoes, onion, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and salt.
2. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the tomato mixture and cook for 5 minutes or until the tomatoes start to soften.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Add the vinegar and water mixture (1:1 ratio). Stir well.
4. Transfer the pickle to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (cooking), 24 hours (refrigeration)
Green Tomato and Pepper Jelly
This vibrant jelly is a perfect blend of tangy green tomatoes and sweet peppers, perfect for topping toast, using as a glaze for meats or cheeses, or giving as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs green tomatoes, cored and chopped
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon pectin
Instructions:
1. Combine green tomatoes, red bell pepper, and onion in a large pot.
2. Add sugar, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the mixture has thickened.
4. Stir in pectin and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to a clean glass jar.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Classic Dill Green Tomato Pickles
Add a tangy twist to your meals with these crispy and delicious green tomato pickles, infused with the brightness of fresh dill.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups green tomatoes (any variety), sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup (250 ml) water
– 1 cup (250 ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125 g) granulated sugar
– 1 tsp (5 ml) salt
– 2 tbsp (30 g) fresh dill weed, chopped
– 1/4 cup (60 ml) pickling spice blend (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced green tomatoes and cold water to cover.
2. Let stand for at least 30 minutes to allow the tomatoes to release their natural acidity.
3. Drain the tomatoes and rinse with cold running water.
4. Combine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pickling spice blend (if using) in a large saucepan.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Pack the tomato slices into clean glass jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace.
7. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the tomatoes, making sure they are completely covered.
8. Seal the jars and let them cool to room temperature.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your canning game with these 18 tangy green tomato recipes! From relishes and chutneys to pickles, jams, and sauces, this collection has something for every adventurous foodie. Try making Spicy Green Tomato Relish or Sweet and Sour Green Tomato Chutney for a flavor boost, or go classic with Green Tomato Pickles with Garlic and Dill. With recipes ranging from zesty and spicy to sweet and tangy, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
