Summer's bounty often leaves us with more green tomatoes than we know what to do with. Instead of letting them go to waste, why not transform them into a deliciously tangy treat? This pickling green tomatoes recipe is a fantastic way to preserve the harvest and enjoy a unique, homemade condiment throughout the year. It’s a surprisingly easy process, perfect for both beginner cooks and experienced picklers alike, resulting in a flavor explosion that will elevate sandwiches, burgers, and more. This recipe offers a quick and easy path to homemade cooking, creating healthy meals and delicious dishes with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds green tomatoes, sliced ⅛ inch thick
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 teaspoons celery seed
- 1 teaspoon mustard seed
- 1 teaspoon turmeric (for color and flavor)
- ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes and Jars
Wash the green tomatoes thoroughly and slice them evenly. Sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. This crucial step ensures your pickled green tomatoes last longer.
Step 2: Create the Brine
In a large saucepan, combine the white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, celery seed, mustard seed, turmeric, black peppercorns, garlic, and optional red onion. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
Step 3: Pack the Jars
Carefully pack the sliced green tomatoes into the sterilized jars, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top.
Step 4: Pour the Brine
Slowly pour the hot brine over the tomatoes, ensuring all slices are submerged. Leave that ½-inch headspace. Remove any air bubbles by gently tapping the jars.
Step 5: Seal and Process
Wipe the rims of the jars clean, place the lids and rings on tightly, and process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust processing time based on your altitude – check a canning guide for specifics). This step is essential for safe food preservation.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely. You should hear a satisfying “pop” as the jars seal. Once cool, check the seals to ensure they are airtight. Store your pickled green tomatoes in a cool, dark place. They will improve in flavor over time and will keep for several months.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pickled Green Tomatoes:
- Even Slicing: Consistent slicing ensures even pickling and prevents some slices from becoming overly soft.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will result in the best flavor.
- Proper Sterilization: Don't skip the sterilization step – it's vital for preventing spoilage.
- Altitude Adjustment: If you live at a high altitude, you may need to adjust the processing time. Consult a canning resource for specifics.
Variations:
- Spicy Pickled Green Tomatoes: Add a few sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the brine for a spicy kick.
- Dill Pickled Green Tomatoes: Incorporate fresh dill sprigs into the jars for a more herbaceous flavor.
- Sweet Pickled Green Tomatoes: Increase the sugar slightly for a sweeter pickle.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe yields a substantial amount of pickled green tomatoes. The nutritional information below is an approximation and may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 20-30 per serving
- Fat: Negligible
- Sodium: High (due to salt)
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
- Fiber: Moderate
Enjoy your homemade pickled green tomatoes! They're a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of summer, long after the harvest is over. This recipe is a perfect example of simple, yet delicious healthy meals you can easily create at home. These easy recipes offer a great path towards homemade cooking and making quick dinner ideas. They’re among the best recipes for anyone looking to add a delicious and tangy twist to their meals.