Tomatillo - Verde (seeds)

Tomatillos, also known as tomate verde, are a key ingredient in Mexican cuisine. Let’s explore more about them:
 
What Are Tomatillos?
Tomatillos (Physalis philadelphica) are small, round fruits covered in a papery husk.
They resemble green tomatoes but are not the same. Tomatillos belong to a different genus, although both are part of the nightshade family (which includes eggplants and peppers). The flavor of tomatillos is tart and slightly citrusy.
 
Culinary Uses
Salsa Verde: Tomatillos are the star ingredient in salsa verde, a vibrant green sauce used in Mexican cuisine.
Sauces and Stews: They add a unique sour flavor to various dishes, including sauces, stews, and salsas.
Roasting or Boiling: To prepare tomatillos, you can either roast them in the oven, brown them on the stovetop, or boil them. Each method has its own flavor profile.
Husk Removal: After cooking, remove the papery husks before using the tomatillos.
 
Salsa Verde Recipe
Here’s a simple recipe for homemade Tomatillo Salsa Verde:
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds tomatillos (about 12 medium)
1/2 cup chopped white onion
2 cloves of garlic (optional)
1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves and stems
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 jalapeño or serrano peppers (stemmed, seeded, and chopped)
Salt to taste
 
Cooking Methods
 
Oven Roasting Method
Preheat the broiler. Remove husks from tomatillos and rinse them. Cut tomatillos in half and place cut side down on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil for 5-7 minutes to lightly blacken the skins. Combine the cooked tomatillos, seasonings, and other ingredients in a blender or food processor. Pulse until finely chopped and mixed.
 
Fun Fact:
The tomatillo plant produces yellow flowers with a single petal, and the fruit develops inside the husk.
 
Enjoy experimenting with tomatillos in your cooking!