Green Tomato Preserves

Green Tomato Preserves Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Romania

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 10 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Green tomato preserves are a delicious and unique way to enjoy the tartness of unripe tomatoes in a sweet and syrupy form. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a popular way to use up excess green tomatoes at the end of the growing season.

History

Green tomato preserves have been a traditional recipe in many cultures for centuries. It was a way to preserve the harvest and enjoy the flavors of summer all year round. The sweet and tangy flavor of the preserves pairs well with a variety of dishes and can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for desserts.

Ingredients

40 green tomatoes, plum-sized
2 lb / 1 kg of sugar
0.5 vanilla stick
juice from 1 lemon
0.75 qt / 0.75 liter of water

How to prepare

Start by removing the core of each green tomato, creating a conical indentation.
Next, remove all the seeds through this opening.
Prepare three pots with boiling water.
Place the green tomatoes in the first pot and let them boil for 4–5 minutes.
Remove the tomatoes from the first pot and transfer them to the second pot, allowing them to boil for 10 minutes.
Remove the tomatoes from the second pot and transfer them to the third pot, letting them boil for another 10 minutes.
After boiling, briefly place the tomatoes in cold water and quickly peel off their skin.
Place the peeled tomatoes on a clean cloth to dry.
Meanwhile, prepare the syrup by combining 0.75 qt / 0.75 liter of water, removing any foam, and adding vanilla.
Once the syrup starts to thicken, add the green tomatoes and lemon juice.
Simmer the mixture, periodically removing any foam, until the preserve is done.
Remove the mixture from heat, cover it with a wet cloth, and let it cool.
Finally, transfer the preserve into jars when it has completely cooled.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding spices such as cinnamon or cloves to the syrup for a warm and aromatic flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove all the seeds from the green tomatoes to prevent bitterness in the preserves.

- Boiling the tomatoes in multiple pots helps to soften them evenly and remove any excess bitterness.

- Skim off any foam that forms on the surface of the syrup to ensure a clear and smooth preserve.

- Let the preserve cool completely before transferring it to jars to prevent cracking.

Serving Suggestions

Green tomato preserves can be enjoyed on toast, biscuits, or scones. They also make a tasty topping for ice cream or yogurt.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the green tomatoes in multiple pots helps to soften them evenly and remove any excess bitterness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have green tomatoes, you can use unripe red tomatoes or tomatillos as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Green tomato preserves can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the green tomato preserves in small jars with a decorative label for a charming homemade gift.

Pairing Recommendations

Green tomato preserves pair well with cheese, crackers, and charcuterie for a savory-sweet appetizer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the green tomato preserves in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 2 weeks.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of green tomato preserves contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of green tomato preserves contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

There is minimal fat content in green tomato preserves, with less than 1g of fat per serving.

Proteins

Green tomato preserves are not a significant source of protein, with less than 1g per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Green tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe does not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Green tomato preserves are a low-fat and low-protein treat that is rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy and delicious addition to your diet.

Summary

Green tomato preserves are a delicious and versatile condiment that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. With a sweet and tangy flavor, they are a perfect way to use up excess green tomatoes and enjoy the flavors of summer all year round.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Green Tomato Preserves. It was a warm summer day, and I was a young girl spending time with my aunt in her kitchen. She was a master in the art of canning and preserving, and I always loved watching her work her magic with fruits and vegetables from her garden.

On this particular day, my aunt had a surplus of green tomatoes from her garden that needed to be used up before they rotted. She decided to make green tomato preserves, a recipe that had been passed down through generations in our family. As she gathered the ingredients and prepared the tomatoes, I watched in awe, eager to learn the secrets of this delicious preserve.

My aunt began by slicing the green tomatoes and placing them in a large pot with sugar and lemon juice. She explained to me that the sugar would help draw out the juices from the tomatoes, while the lemon juice would add a tangy flavor to the preserves. As the mixture simmered on the stove, the sweet and tart aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

After the tomatoes had cooked down and thickened into a sticky jam-like consistency, my aunt carefully ladled the preserves into sterilized jars and sealed them with lids. She explained to me the importance of proper canning techniques to ensure that the preserves would last for months to come. I watched as she processed the jars in a boiling water bath, the steam rising and mingling with the tantalizing scent of the preserves.

Finally, the jars were removed from the water bath and left to cool on the countertop. As I watched the seals on the lids pop, indicating that a vacuum had formed and the preserves were properly sealed, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had been a part of creating something delicious and long-lasting, something that would be enjoyed by my family for months to come.

As my aunt and I sampled the green tomato preserves on freshly baked bread, I marveled at the sweet and tangy flavor that burst in my mouth with each bite. The preserves had a complex flavor profile, with just the right balance of sweetness and tartness that made them irresistible. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a cherished heirloom to pass down to future generations.

Over the years, I have continued to make green tomato preserves using my aunt's recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, spreading the joy of this delicious preserve to all who have had the pleasure of tasting it. Each time I make a batch of green tomato preserves, I am transported back to that warm summer day in my aunt's kitchen, filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of a tradition that will never fade.

And so, as I sit here in my own kitchen, stirring a pot of bubbling green tomato preserves, I am grateful for the memories and traditions that have been passed down to me. I am grateful for the love and care that went into creating this recipe, and for the joy it brings to all who taste it. I am grateful for the simple pleasure of preserving the bounty of the season, and for the connection it brings to my past and my future. And most of all, I am grateful for the gift of cooking and sharing that has been passed down through generations in my family, a legacy that I will continue to honor and cherish for years to come.