It can be a challenge to find a use for green tomatoes at the end of summer. The origins of this recipe are long forgotten, but making it couldn’t be simpler and the results are fabulous after about 48 hours. Since green tomatoes are seasonal, substituting tomatillos are a good option since they are usually available year round, especially at Latino grocery stores. Just make sure to rinse off the sticky coating after removing the outer husks.
Ingredients:
- 1 – 1¼ lbs. Green Tomatoes or Tomatillos, cut into wedges
- 4 whole Garlic Cloves
- 1¼ cups Water
- ¾ cup White Vinegar
- 1 tbsp. Sugar
- 1 tbsp. Kosher or Himalayan Salt
- 1 tbsp. whole Peppercorns
- 1 tbsp. whole Mustard Seeds
- 1 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes
Direction:
Cut the tomatoes or tomatillos into wedges and pack into a quart jar with the garlic cloves. Bring water, vinegar and spices to a boil and remove from the heat. Pour over the tomatoes or tomatillos and, if necessary, top up with water or vinegar and refrigerate. They are best if they cure for at least 48 hours. They can be kept in a refrigerator for up to 5-6 months, but it’s doubtful they’ll last that long.
Notes:
It’s thought that pickling originated in northwest India and India continues to enjoy a robust pickling tradition.Spicy pickle mixes and chutneys are a routine accompaniment to meals and there are important health reasons for including bitter flavored foods with a meal.
According to Dr. Andrew Weil, eating bitter foods can have the effect of curbing hunger, so having a few bites of something bitter at the start of a meal can almost trick your mind into eating less. Bitter foods help to moderate blood sugar levels and stimulate the liver to produce bile which help us digest fats and makes fat-soluble vitamins more available. According to Weil,
“Bitter foods challenge the liver. They make it work and help it to remain healthy, just as muscles challenged by exercise function better than ones that atrophy from underuse.”
According to one study, starting a meal by eating vegetables and proteins before consuming carbohydrates helps to keep insulin and blood glucose levels lower. So having a few bites of your own homemade quick pickles with your meals will not only give you the satisfaction of creating gourmet-level flavors, it will also benefit your health.
Schmecken! 