Sassy Tomatillos: Unleashing the Tangy Tomatillo Salsa

Jul 27, 2023


Tomatillo Salsa

I found a particular delight in tomatillos in my journey of cultivating a sustainable lifestyle through gardening and home food preserving. These vibrant green gems have become a favorite among the many fruits and vegetables I grow and preserve. Here I share the versatility of tomatillos in this salsa-filled adventure!

Let me introduce you to one of the culinary treasures of Mexican and Central American kitchens - tomatillos, scientifically known as Physalis philadelphica. Tomatillos belong to the nightshade family and are small round fruits that captivate with their unique traits. Encased in a papery husk and sporting a vibrant green hue when ripe, tomatillos boast a tantalizingly tangy, citrus-like taste. They have a burst of flavor and offer a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, making them a scrumptiously nutritious addition to your culinary journeys.

I have used the following tried-and-tested home canning recipe to capture the vibrant color and tangy flavor of my garden's tomatillos, ensuring I can enjoy them all year.

I hope this tomatillo salsa recipe opens up diverse culinary possibilities! Whether eating it as classic chips and salsa or as a marinade on chicken, this jar of salsa will infuse every dish with a distinctive, tangy taste. Embrace the joy of culinary exploration as you whip up delightful recipes and share the flavorsome results with your loved ones, amplifying the pleasure of home preservation to a whole new level!

Tomatillo Salsa

Yields approximately 5 pints  

Ingredients:

5 cups Tomatillos (Cleaned, Husked, Cored, and Chopped)
4 cups Onions (Chopped)
1 ½ cups Green Chilies (Chopped)
½ cup Jalape?o peppers (Chopped Finely )
1 cup Bottled Lemon Juice
6 Garlic Cloves (Chopped Finely)
1 tablespoon Cumin
3 tablespoons Oregano Leaves (Chopped finely)
1 tablespoon Salt
1 teaspoon Black Pepper

Procedure:

  1. Wash and rinse jars and lids; keep jars hot until used. Follow the manufacturer's directions for lid preparation.
  2. Combine all ingredients in a large stainless steel saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally.
  3. Fill jars with hot salsa, leaving ½ inch headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust the headspace if needed. Wipe rims of jars with a dampened, clean paper towel; apply two-piece metal canning lids.
  4. Process in boiling water canner according to Table 1.

 

Table 1 Processing Time for Tomatillo Green Salsa

Process Time at Altitudes of: 

Style of Pack Jar Size 0-1,000 feet 1,001-6,000 feet Above 6,000 feet
Hot Pints 15 Minutes 20 Minutes 25 Minutes

  

Recipe from the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning.

Photo courtesy of Nicole D. George, UCCE Master Food Preserver